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MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos are beaming with pride as Nicole Scherzinger and Darren Criss — Hollywood actors with Filipino heritage — win big at Tony Awards, the biggest award-giving body that celebrates the best of live Broadway theatre.
It is the first time both actors have won a Tony.
Nicole Scherzinger, Best Leading Actress in a Musical for ‘Sunset Blvd.’ PHOTO FROM AP/EVAN AGOSTINI
On Sunday (Monday in Manila) Scherzinger won Best Leading Actress in a Musical for "Sunset Blvd."
"Growing up, I always felt like I didn't belong, but you all have made me feel like I belong and I have come home at last," the former Pussycat Dolls lead singer said during her acceptance speech.
"So if there's anyone out there who feels like they don't belong, or your time hasn't come, don't give up. Just keep on giving and giving because the world needs your love and your light now more than ever," she added.
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In "Sunset Blvd.," Scherzinger plays Norma Desmond, a faded screen idol desperate to reclaim her fame. The show also won Best Revival of a Musical.
Darren Criss, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for ‘Maybe Happy Ending.’ PHOTO FROM AP/EVAN AGOSTINI
Meanwhile, Criss bagged Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for "Maybe Happy Ending."
"Maybe Happy Ending" is a romantic comedy about androids that brims with human emotion. He plays Oliver, who, along with another decommissioned robot named Claire (played by Helen Shen), navigates a new life after becoming obsolete. The show won six Tonys.
In his acceptance speech, Criss — who rose to fame in the series "Glee" and earned critical acclaim for "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" — dedicated the award to his wife.
"The real hero for this remarkable journey is my wife, Mia, who took a massive swing on allowing me to do this. To allow this crazy upheaval in our life, to make this logistically possible, and for bearing the brunt of raising two tiny friends under three, so that I could raise a singing robot at the Belasco Theatre eight times a week."
