Never one to stray from the Broadway stage, James Corden accepted the role of host for the 70th Annual Tony Awards. This is The Late Late Show host’s first time helming the award show, but it’s not his first time attending.
The British actor took home a Tony Award in 2012 for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play after his outstanding role in “One Man, Two Guvnors.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be hosting the Tony awards. Both times I’ve worked on Broadway have been amongst the happiest times of my professional life. I consider it a huge honor to be asked to host such an incredible night. It’s gonna be fun, I can’t wait to dust off my tap shoes!” said Corden.
It’s also not the first, or last, time he’s hosted an award show. In 2009 he hosted the BRITs, which is essentially the UK-version of the Grammys. He is slated to host the star-studded event again this year.
To put the icing on the cake, Corden is using his star power for good by donating his BRITs hosting fee to Comic Relief, which is a UK-based charity that aims to end poverty.
Fans praised his charitable decision and he responded on Twitter, writing, “Thanks for your kind messages about giving my Brits fee to comic relief. It felt the right thing to do. I’m glad you agree xxx.”
Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens, President of the American Theatre Wing, praised James’ work in a statement about his hosting announcement and said, “James is one of those rare performers whose gifts translate perfectly to both the Broadway stage and the television screen, making him the ideal choice to host the Tony Awards. The last time he was at the Tonys, he went home with one. We think he’ll have even more fun as host. This is going to be one unforgettable show.”
“Carpooling on Broadway will never be the same!” added Executive Producers Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner, referring to Corden’s hilarious Carpool Karaoke sketch on his late night show.
“We are thrilled to have James Corden not only as a member of the CBS family, but as host of this year’s Tony Awards,” said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS Entertainment. “James is the ultimate performer – actor, singer and comedian – he’s the perfect choice to host our live television event.”
The 70th Annual Tony Awards airs live on CBS Sunday, June 12 at 8 pm EST. It’s held in New York City’s Beacon Theatre this year. Stay linked to GoodCelebrity.com for the full nominations list, which goes live on Tuesday, May 3, 2016.