'Hamilton' Alternate Javier Munoz To Replace Lin-Manuel Miranda In Lead Role
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- 'Hamilton' has found its new lead.
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Javier Munoz will take on Lin-Manuel Miranda's role as Hamilton full-time starting on July 11. The decision, announced at a press conference Thursday morning, comes after Miranda announced he would be leaving the show earlier this month.
Miranda said his last show would be on July 9.
Munoz has been working as Miranda's alternate and currently leads in Sunday matinee performances. The actor also replaced Miranda in the role of Usnavi in his previous hit musical 'In the Heights.'
3) I'm so thrilled for @JMunozActor. We created the role together. I'm still jealous he got to perform for Jay-Z & Beyonce.
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) June 16, 2016
"I'm so thrilled for @JMunozActor," Miranda tweeted Thursday. "We creatred the role together. I'm still jealous he got to perform for Jay-Z and Beyonce."
And the torch is officially passed @Lin_Manuel hands @HamiltonMusical to @JMunozActor July 11 pic.twitter.com/eot97P4FV6
— Blake Ross (@BlakeRossNY) June 16, 2016
Earlier this year, Munoz returned from a three-month hiatus from the stage as he battled cancer. Munoz left the show in November of 2015 to undergo surgery and spent two months in recovery.
Miranda has lined up plenty of work after he leaves. He has a lead role opposite Emily Blunt in a film sequel of "Mary Poppins" and will help turn his musical "In the Heights" into a movie.
"Hamilton" has burst through the Broadway bubble like few shows. It has been praised by politicians and rap stars, influenced the debate over the nation's currency and become a cultural phenomenon. On Sunday, it won 11 Tony Awards, including best new musical, best book and best score.