Michael Jeter - Grand Hotel - complete Tonys performance and acceptance speech

[@HeresWhatJonathanSaid]

I was in the audience that night as a seat filler (and had seen Grand Hotel and was rooting so hard for Michael Jeter to win). Watching it now, what a thrill to see the audience response build so perfectly in sync with the pace of this number, all the way to its crescendo. A perfect example of the magical connection that is possible when audience and performer(s) click just right. And to be immediately followed by Michael Jeter receiving a Tony made it even more exciting. RIP Michael Jeter.

[@DJObiSmalls]

How did you become a seat filler?

[@shpidoinkleboy]

This just makes me bawl. What a devastating loss to the world and theatre community, but what a document to have.

[@hefinrosser8685]

Watching this scene again, just brings tears of joy ❤ god bless Michael Jeeter xxx just incredible ❤❤❤❤

[@inahandbag]

I saw him in Grand Hotel right after he had won the Tony. The theatre elevated, Michael Jeter and audience together, the roof came off. I’m still grateful.

[@stephenhayes7128]

The single greatest moment in the history of The Tony Awards. Sheer, unadulterated joy! THIS is what Broadway is about.

[@Rocketjay12]

Stephen Hayes Yes!

[@suzettebennett2564]

Amen to that.

[@thomasbradley4505]

The smiles on their faces at the end of the number tells you how much they enjoyed what they were doing.

[@kylepwagner4853]

It was 30 years ago & I’ve watched in 4,000,000 times and it never gets old. So fabulous.

[@orlandocordova5183]

YES! YES! YES! I AGREE WITH YOU!

[@stevenbosch5497]

When depressed or just a bit sad, I browse for some Broadway entertainment. Throughout the years somehow I missed this piece of gem. Wauw!!!!!!! Such an astonishing performance, even after 30 odd years. After watching this, I cannot stay depressed. Your performance really lifted my spirits.Thank you Michael for sharing your talent. I bet you are sitting on a star.

[@kylepwagner4853]

He was a lovely man. :)

[@michaelisennock8391]

Lucky as I was to see this magical production with the original cast, Mr. Jeter, you were, and continue to be, "one warm moment in a world gone cold and crass", and an inspiration gone too soon.

[@Lasuvidaboy-jp4xe]

I was introduced to this amazing clip last night by a friend. I was mentioning a former work colleague Sean Blue who was Michael Jeter’s partner for many years. Our friend said you have to watch this clip and it’s absolutely incredible. I was thinking of Sean the other day as I have not seen him for many years and I read that he was killed in a motorcycle accident a few years ago. Very sad too young.

[@PhantomDrums917]

That man was made of rubber!! Miss him terribly. What a gifted performer. And let's not forget David Carroll as well, the original Baron. RIP the two of them.

[@mason6963]

I've met this amazing person.....just as sweet and humble as he could be! A man that loved his craft!

[@TubenIt83]

After finding this about nine months ago, I come back every couple of weeks to watch it again!

[@beaellie9766]

It is EXCEPTIONAL....awe-inspiring then his speech is incredibly moving.

[@Jojoseahorse]

24 years, and I have never forgotten this, both Michael's amazing performance and his wonderfully human and moving speech. RIP, beautiful and talented man

[@JoshAragon]

One of the best numbers in musical theater history- pure joy

[@linengray]

Michael Jeter's performance mesmerized me then and still does today. What a sad lost early. Thank you Michael for leaving your wonderful work for us to continue to enjoy.

[@colinmennie6447]

Absolute perfection. Every eye watching is on this magnet performance . You don’t see anyone else . Just Michael . How magical we have this to look back on and treasure for always .❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Martíncespedes]

Micheal Jeter! You still light up that stage, and bring tears to my eyes! One of the best Tony performances I've ever seen! God speed!

[@bondfool]

I would love to see this revived, but I truly can’t imagine who else could fill Michael’s shoes.

[@robertgraziano]

I can remember see this as it was just yesterday.May2020 today. Broadway will never die!

[@randallwatson8760]

THIS is what musical theatre is all about. Michael Jeter is AMAZING here. Thank you for sharing your work with us.

[@JosephDutra]

I know, his moves are Gene Kelly great!!

[@Eaglearm95]

My cousin. Never met him. He’s my blood

[@makeupman7472]

i cry my eyes out everytime I watch this. Michael Jeter was a treasure

[@markschildberg1667]

I wonder how Tommy Tune explained this remarkable dance to Michael Jeter. I just shake my head.

[@juliewhite5243]

I love both of them, but I am so amazed at the chorus who dance non stop in unison. Each time I watch this I feel I want to dance with them.

[@joelmatthys7742]

Yes, same here! The ensemble is magnificent here.

[@sarashendelman]

Jeter (as we called him) was my college roommate and fellow actor. He was as kind as he was talented. He had a pet possum named Roscoe. We tried to put the phone in his name, but Roscoe Jeter had no credit history.

[@ALNizhoni]

I have no idea what makes me laugh more: Michael Jeter having a pet possum, that the possum's name was Roscoe, or that you guys actually attempted to put the phone in Roscoe's name. He was an absolute TREASURE, but you don't need me to tell you that. Thank you for sharing this memory of him! (And I'm not sure if you know this, but there's another video of this performance on YT. The comments there, which span the last 10 years sicne the video's upload, are a celebration of his life and talent. Take a look if you haven't already!)

[@thomasbradley4505]

So many people only know Michael Jeter from tv comedies and have no idea how talented he truly was.

[@janetday-strehlow3476]

I really miss Michael, he was not only a talented performer but a wonderful person.

[@andywinslow9638]

I miss him too. I'm honored to have come out because of him.

[@marcellopadilla7049]

Michael Jeter was just the sweetest, most incredibly talented, beautiful souls. This is maybe my favorite performance of all time!

[@kdohertygizbur]

Tommy Tune deserves all the credit for his choreography of this scene

[@tejaswoman]

Thank you, was just wondering who the genius choreographer might be.

[@AngelaJeanBarr]

I went from mouth agape at his performance to sobbing at his win reaction and acceptance speech. Ugh... I miss his light SO much.

[@levilevis9032]

I have watched this 7 times and I still can't figure out how the hell he managed to spin down the bar on his shoulders and chest like that

[@FreedomFighter2112]

Myself and my Uncle watch the performance every moth

[@TennesseeMelanie]

This was the most wonderful performance. The entertainment world lost a phenomenal performer when Michael Jeter died.

[@theatermike]

The GREAT Michael Jeter. I have to watch this clip every now and then just to be reminded of the gentle talent that first overwhelmed me in Evening Shade and continues to live on thanks to film and tape. Miss your talent Michael.

[@paulajones3856]

Mr. Noodle was so grand as a stellar star up above

[@SoICanComment163]

I never knew Michael Jeter was a theatre man! His dancing was amazingly fluid. His speech was wonderful as well.

[@melbahuff4108]

I have watched this clip at least 250 times. I never tire of watching perfection at work.

[@James-l1m4l]

I adored Michael Jeter

[@sunflowerislovely]

素晴らしいミュージカル！大好きです。シェアしていただいて本当にありがとうございます❣️ I love Grand Hotel the musical. Thanks for sharing!!

[@Martíncespedes]

One of the best Tony performances I've ever seen! Rest in peace Micheal Jeter.

[@hefinrosser8685]

The most incredible thrilling performance aspect of this production is the company don't distract from the Michael or Brent s performance, they add to it. Such a thrilling production xx

[@moorewjr]

This was one of the most complicated, yet brilliant shows any actor can do. When done right, it is miraculous. I loved doing this show.

[@TubenIt83]

It is impossible for me to watch this only once! Each time I come to this page, I watch it at least twice! The number is so joyous & Michael Jeter is fascinating to watch. Glad that he won the Tony!

[@roysonline]

I can't imagine there's a limit to how many times I can watch this. I still cry at the end. Seeing Brent Barrett in London this evening!

[@4241michael]

My most favorite Tony moment!

[@micklest]

Beautiful man, brilliant talent. Tommy Tune sure knows how to let an actor do what he/she does best.

[@silviathefan]

I simply love this! Thank you so much for sharing! I hope someday I can see a Broadway show ❤️

[@PatLikesThese]

I remember watching the Tonycast on TV, and was blown away by Michael Jeter. His performance was spot on. Hearing him talk about his life on Whoopi Goldberg's short-lived talk show made me understand him better. So open and honest. I was so happy he won the Tony, later the Emmy for "Evening Shade". He also bore a striking resemblance to my late husband, Dan. He was HIV+ and died from lymphoma at 48.

[@PecanSandees23]

I smile every time I watch this. I'm so sad Michael is gone. He was so incredibly talented! RIP Michael.

[@TheHManShow]

OH MY GOD!!!!!! Michael Jeter could DANCE

[@oreallyducky]

What an amazing performance! I remember watching this the night it first broadcast and being overwhelmed with the joy and exuberance of Mr. Jeters' performance. The acceptance speech was the topper, and I was a fan from that moment on.

[@verbo108]

What an amazing performer and a more amazing person.

[@jillrayl8901]

I'm so glad the Emmys are broadcast, otherwise we wouldn't have these genius performances to marvel at again and again.

[@quiquisito]

Such an amazing clip: the performance, the energy, his speech...WOW! I keep watching it non stop. IT IS SO INSPIRATIONAL! Love that man!

[@donpkra]

a wonderful talented man - i met him a number of times with my friend peter who was a priest and who guided him very impressive man

[@MrElfantasma]

Wow, Mr. Jeter's acceptance speech gives me goosebumps!!!

[@srbdirector]

It is sheer joy watching Michael Jeter perform this number from Grand Hotel! One of the outstanding highlights in the history of musical numbers performed on the TONY Awards.

[@lauciricad]

I saw Mr. Jeter in Open Range, I never knew. Complete blown away by this performance, both men, the supporting actors. American culture at its best.

[@daveharrison8286]

I first learned of Mr Jeter in the Fisher King and his performance was poignant on a superior level. I have since delved in to his career and have learned what we have lost. His last performance in a Robert Duvall western ' The Broken Trail' sort of capped it all.

[@BTURNER1961]

Now try to watch the clip again and pay attention to Brent Barrett as he dances and sings. He's pretty darn good in this scene. He deserves to have people notice. But nobody notices because there is absolute genius to his right and we just can't look away from genius.

[@talkinghead2004]

so true. And Barrett doesn't really get to show off his true talent: singing. He was as great a singer as Jeter was a dancer.

[@LuisRodriguez-bo4xg]

Simply coreographed with complex steps, and an agility which not many could match 8 shows a week. Michael Jeter is just extraoridnary here and in the Fisher King! Why don't they make shows like this anymore. 1988-1994 seasons have not been matched since! All u get now is Disney canned songs or mundane first time writers. And yes I mean A Strange Loop is mediacrocy at its worst!!!

[@mercutiorane1150]

I still vividly remember seeing this on the tony awards when I was a kid, it brought tears to my eyes to see it again, thanks so much for loading it!

[@AuntieMamie]

Michael Jeter nailed it. Bravo!! The essence of poignancy. Thank you for this extraordinary gift. These were the days. And Mr Jeter seems so dear. And he’s a friend of Bill’s. Woo hoo!

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Listen to the way the audience cheers for Jeter! Pure class and showmanship!

[@randallerickson175]

So many greats now gone.

[@Rcity2332]

4:06 is probably and will always be the greatest moment in musical comdey. God bless you Michael. watching this is like a master class for me. watch out! Raphael will make it to Broadway.

[@sarmadasco]

Rcity2332 Good for you! Great attitude! If you do make it to Broadway…share it here so we can come and revel in your joy! Truly. You know that these posts and threads continue for years (I still get 'likes' and replies from things I posted when Bush was re-elected (sadly, in my opinion) and when Obama was elected, 2x…(happily, in my opinion)….so do post your progress, Raphael and let us all share and see your talent. Is always a joy to see people so happy doing what they love and have dreamed of! Peace Out! ~ Gary

[@lizschneider3195]

How happiness shines from him

[@douglasabbey4038]

Pure unadulterated joy. Brings tears to my eyes EVERY time

[@Echiya]

great dancer and let me tell ya.... one amazing actor. We miss ya, Michael..... so much.

[@AdamSank]

Truly one of the greatest live performances of all time. RIP, both of these stunningly talented men.

[@tomshea8382]

Brent Barrett is still alive.

[@ryanbrown7536]

Left us far too soon. Incredible talent. Rest easy Mr Jeter.

[@kokoriko999]

Michael Jeter , legend !

[@Robmars11]

I saw the show he was FANTASTIC

[@DaM7519]

I miss you Mr. Jeter! This is in my favorites and I view when I want an instant smile.

[@vivian8482]

LOVE THE ENDING AS THE LYRICS GO.. "I'LL TAKE A GLASS/ LETS CELEBRATE.. " ON AND ON .. BRILLIANT.

[@ascotberks2018]

Sean Blue, LAXSW what a beautiful person he was. So sorry for your loss. The world lost such a great talent.

[@liduck52]

Saw Tommy Tune interview on TV once. He originally had Jeter doing a tap dance,but it wasn't working. His mother then suggested a Charleston,since it was a popular dance in 1928.

[@karenkaren3189]

I saw this in the theatre-marvelous and memorable!

[@tejaswoman]

Pardon me for talking about anything other than Jeter's marvelous performance, but watching the little credits in-between reminded me how sorry I am that they no longer do scenes from the nominated plays as well as the musicals. As someone living far from NYC, it was my introduction to most of the playwrights nominated back in those days.

[@maymurphyful16]

Probably one of the best stage moments I've ever seen! Too bad I wasn't even born, yet, I would've paid BIG to to him in Grand Hotel!

[@DanielGonzalezC]

Just learned this choreography on my Musical Theater class. The most joyful dancing you can get. Everyone should try it at least once.

[@oscarphile]

Maybe you should do a tutorial video. Teach us all how to do Brent and Michael's crazy moves!

[@mzmiller52]

In these 8 minutes he brings me such joy then brings me to tears. God bless you mr. Jeter. The divine miss m was able to do the same thing until Bette midler killed her off and became Doris day.

[@theequalizer2007]

Even at a quarter of speed this defies physics laws!

[@treenipatdaungsingh1654]

Always love this performance 😁 brilliantly done very well!!!!!🙆🏼‍♂️

[@mrbleepblopguy4638]

Mr noodle can dance.

[@Sylviala2009]

I remember this still!

[@ellendweck73]

+Sylvia Wilson So do I. Jeter's performance releases endodrphins by the bucketloads. What a loss.

[@Paulol100]

My beloved Michael I still cry RIP darlin man.

[@theeblakester002]

this rules so hard i dont know how a person moves their body like that. what a fun performer to watch

[@Dianaemanuel]

Incredible!

[@lucyschindler4462]

I am in awe!

[@orlandocordova5183]

There's NO OTHER MOMENT BETTER THEN THIS NOT EVEN DREAM GIRLS MOMENT? ALL DIFFERENT IN THEIR OWN WAY BUT! MICHEAL KILLED IT! FOR EVER!

[@aaround]

What a humble man!

[@frederickcombs8661]

David Carroll was already out of the show, but this number lived on with both Carroll and Jeter up for Tonys which went to Jeter only. Carroll passed shortly after and a in few years, Jeter too of AIDS. A very fabulous and memorable number, a rare 2-man song, beautifully choreographed by Tommy Tune. "People come... people go... and they go NOWHERE!"

[@donaldoconner]

+Jim Britt Jeter did have AIDS but he died of a seizure

[@winkyahooooo717]

Jeter lived with Aids in his later years, but he did not die from it, He died from an epileptic siezure

[@niccage6375]

Jim Britt he had hiv

[@AsukaAnime]

Wow, I'm nearly speechless

[@Baytownisabel]

What an amazing actor he was!!!

[@dzfz2100]

Seriously, i’m convinced the imaginary glasses they are holding are real.

[@lynnestewart8237]

Jeter Rocks and Rules!

[@zigfried64]

Greatest acceptance speech EVER!

[@CJODell12]

1:12. Michael got the most applause and cheering of anyone in the Grand Hotel cast.

[@emilykranking9996]

As he deserved

[@spencercox3828]

I just can't believe How they make it so believable that they are actually drinking from a glass!

[@josepelaez3223]

Now that's musical magic

[@megarouge2001]

Bless his heart.

[@silenthillmaster755]

ok what are his legs

[@rastafarijan7411]

he was a best man !!!

[@yonkcity]

I remember watching this on television and being confounded that it didn't result in an instantaneous, rapturous Standing O! That entire hall should've been so enraptured, that it forced producers to cut away for commercial.