'This Is A Huge Challenge For Me': Sean Hayes On His Broadway Return

Unleash Your Creative Genius with MuseMind: Your AI-Powered Content Creation Copilot. Try now! πŸš€

Sean Hayes, the Emmy Award-winning actor, is making his triumphant return to Broadway in the role of Oscar Lavant. The play, "Good Night, Oscar," offers a full portrait of this troubled musician who became famous for his edgy and comedic criticisms of show business. Lavant was a legend in his time, but history has unfortunately forgotten him. However, Sean Hayes is here to change that.

Introducing Oscar Lavant

Lavant was not only an incredibly funny man, but also a talented writer and virtuoso pianist. He was unafraid to speak openly about his struggles with mental illness and addiction, which was groundbreaking for live television audiences at the time. By owning his own mental health issues and addressing them in a humorous way, Lavant paved the way for others to do the same.

His appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Jack Parr made him a frequent guest and eventually led to Parr signing off with "Good night, Oscar Lavant, wherever you are." Lavant's openness about mental health challenges was ahead of his time, and it is even more vital and relevant in our day and age.

Sean Hayes: Embracing the Challenge

For Sean Hayes, taking on the role of Oscar Lavant is a huge challenge. The actor admits that he is nothing like Lavant in most ways, but he saw this as an opportunity to swing for the fences and push himself as an actor. Hayes believes that if actors are not challenging themselves, then what are they doing? This role is a win-win for him, regardless of the outcome.

And it seems that his risk is paying off. Hayes has been nominated for a Tony award, proving that his portrayal of Lavant is resonating with audiences. But behind the scenes, Hayes has faced the emotional toll of embodying such a tortured character night after night. Addiction and mental struggles are not unfamiliar to him, as they run in his family tree. However, he believes that telling Lavant's story is important, as it sheds light on the complexities of mental health.

Breaking Out of the Mold

Sean Hayes is widely known and beloved for his portrayal of Jack McFarland on "Will and Grace." While he acknowledges the impact that role had on his career, he also recognizes the importance of trying new things and pushing himself as an actor. Hayes believes in embracing the joy that his past work has brought to people's lives while also exploring new characters and stories.

"Good Night, Oscar" is a departure from his previous roles, allowing Hayes to showcase his versatility as an actor. By stepping into the shoes of Oscar Lavant, he is breaking out of the mold and challenging himself in new and exciting ways.

The Smartless Podcast and Beyond

Aside from his work on stage, Sean Hayes is also a co-host of the popular podcast, Smartless, alongside Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. The podcast has become a surprising success, and Hayes is grateful for the opportunity to connect with his co-hosts and engage with their audience. Smartless has become a weekly hangout with his best pals, and Hayes finds it incredibly rewarding on every level.

As we eagerly await the release of "Good Night, Oscar" and continue to enjoy the Smartless podcast, it's clear that Sean Hayes is a force to be reckoned with. His talent, versatility, and willingness to take on new challenges make him an exceptional actor and thinker. And as he brings the forgotten legend of Oscar Lavant back to life, we can't help but be captivated by his creativity, humor, and positive energy. Sean Hayes is a true gem in the world of entertainment, and we can't wait to see what he does next.

Watch full video here β†ͺ
'This is a huge challenge for me': Sean Hayes on his Broadway return
Related Recaps