At the 2023 Tony Awards, Sean Hayes expresses affection towards his husband, Scott Icenogle. It is often said that behind every successful, accomplished person stands a supportive partner, and this statement has a profound truth.
There is an undeniable romanticism in attributing one’s success to the unwavering support of their spouse. One such heartwarming example unfolded at the illustrious 2023 Tony Awards, where actor and comedian Sean Hayes took a touching moment to showcase his profound love for his husband, Scott Icenogle.
During the grand evening of Broadway’s big event on Sunday, Sean Hayes, aged 52, emerged victorious as he won the award for lead actor in a play for his portrayal of Oscar Levant in Good Night, Oscar. Graciously accepting the award before a captivated audience at New York City’s United Palace Theatre, Hayes made sure to express his gratitude to his spouse, Icenogle, to whom he has been married since 2014.
This year Sean Hayes’s nomination for the Tony Awards represented his second-ever nomination. Earlier, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical role in “Promises” in 2010, when he also hosted the prestigious ceremony.
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Sean Hayes’s thanks speech at the 2023 Tony Awards
‘Oh my goodness, I can hardly believe it- this might be the first time an Oscar is winning a Tony. I’m shaking, and this whole experience feels incredibly surreal, the actor exclaimed. ‘First and foremost, I want to acknowledge my husband, Scotty- well, at least I hope I got that right. You are the reason behind my purpose each and every day of my life.
Turning his attention to the cast and crew, Hayes continued his heartfelt speech, expressing his profound affection for them. ‘To all of you, my incredible cast and crew, I love you all deeply. We share such tremendous laughter backstage – It’s a joyous experience. I owe a great portion of my performance to the phenomenal director, Lisa Peters. She is truly extraordinary.’
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Hayes’s gratitude extended further as he credited renowned playwright Dough Wright, saying, ‘Your words you wrote specifically for me and this character, have completely transformed my life. This role is truly a life-changer for me.
In addition, the actor added a heartfelt acknowledgment to Oscar Levant, whose wit, irascibility, and virtuosity have not only been a source of inspiration but have also defined him as a unique individual. ‘Thank you, Oscar Levant, wherever you may be. Your influence and contribution are deeply appreciated’, Hayes concludes.
Other nominations in the Sean Hayes category included Corey Hawkins and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who received nominations for “Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog.” Stephen McKinley Henderson and Wendell Pierce received nominations for their role in “Between Riverside and Crazy” and “Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman,” respectively.
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Sean Hayes and Scott Icenogle’s relationship story
Sean Hayes crossed paths with Icenogle for the first time on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2006, where Icenogle worked as a DJ. Reflecting on their initial encounter, the actor shared with PEOPLE magazine, ‘It may sound cliche, but when I saw him, I instinctively knew he was the person I needed to be with. He has this incredible ability to uplift and improve me, and his grounded and stable nature complements my eccentricity as an actor.’ Sean Hayes and Scott Icenogle exchanged vows in November 2014, solidifying their commitment to each other.
Scott Icenogle is an award-winning music composer and producer. Following his immense passion for music and storytelling, Scott Icenogle has successfully brought his talents to both the grandeur of the big screen and the intimacy of the small screen. He has received an ASCAP award for his exceptional work, whose career dates back to 2005. He worked on shows like “The History of Comedy,” “Will & Grace,” and “Q-Force.” Icenogle also composed music for the 2020 comedy “Lazy Susan,” starring and co-written by Hayes.
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