Fourth times a charm. After four well-deserved nominations, seasoned actor Joshua Henry has finally claimed his Tony Award. On June 7, the beloved thespian was met by thunderous applause after his name was called for Lead Actor in a Musical during the 2026 Tonys.
Henry, who stars in Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, graciously took to the Radio City Music Hall stage to deliver a speech filled with humility, inspiration, and words of encouragement for all artists.
Acknowledging that his journey was made possible by a strong support system, Henry thanked his wife Cathryn Stringer.
“I have to thank God, my endless creative source for gifts like Cathryn,” gushed Henry. “Thank you for dreaming with me even when it’s been hard. Thank you for putting our kids to bed. Thank you for your love and your sacrifice,” said Henry.
He then turned his attention to their three sons (Samson, Leo, and Max), saying, “Remember, it’s the practice that you do when no one is looking and how you fall down and how you get back up again that’s what makes you great.”
Henry went on to show his fellow Ragtime cast members love. “The ensemble of ‘Ragtime,’ each and every one of you are stars,” declared Henry. “Lear deBessonet, thank you for your incredible vision and pursuit of excellence.”
But the current Ragtime wasn’t the only crew Henry had to thank. Henry went on to praise the Broadway production’s original Sarah and Coalhouse.
“And speaking of excellence for a second, Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell, thank you for your ‘Black-don’t-crack’ legacy of artistic brilliance, showing us that we can shine in the fullness of who we are,” declared Henry.
He closed his spirited speech, saying, “It is an honor to play this role. Coalhouse Walker Jr., a Black musician whose art led him to his love and to his dream. And even in the face of pain and tragedy, he found a way to be heard. Every artist in this room, every artist at home, fight, fight, fight to be heard. I want to dedicate this to Birgit Fioravante, my first voice teacher. She’s here today. She gave me free voice lessons and told me I could do this when I didn’t even know what she was talking about.”
Henry was previously nominated in 2011 for Violet (Best Featured Actor in a Musical) and The Scottsboro Boys (Best Actor in a Musical), as well as in 2018 for Carousel (Best Actor in a Musical).
Watch Joshua Henry’s entire acceptance speech for Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the 2026 Tony Awards below courtesy of CBS.
The 79th Tony Awards (2026 Tonys) were broadcast live on CBS. But the ceremony can be rewatched exclusively on Paramount+. Click here for more information.