Luke Evans earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his Broadway debut as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, which opened April 23, 2026, at Studio 54.
The 47-year-old Welsh actor, known for film roles in Beauty and the Beast, The Hobbit, and Fast & Furious 6, called the nomination “extraordinary” and described the experience of stepping into the iconic role as transformative. In interviews, Evans reflected on how donning Frank-N-Furter’s full drag costume—wig, makeup, eyelashes, and heels—makes him feel “powerful” and “confident,” despite initial concerns about the revealing outfit.
The Rocky Horror Show revival has earned nine Tony nominations overall, including Best Revival of a Musical. The production also features Tony-nominated performances from Stephanie Hsu as Janet and Rachel Dratch as the Narrator, alongside nominations for choreography and scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design.
Luke Evans nominated for Tony Award for Broadway debut in Rocky Horror Show
Megan Thee Stallion takes the stage for 79th Tony Awards opening performance
Evans’ path to the role came full circle: three decades earlier, while in college in London, he performed “Sweet Transvestite” from the musical at an end-of-year show to secure a theatrical agent. Since then, he has appeared in London’s West End productions of Rent, Miss Saigon, and Piaf, but The Rocky Horror Show marks his first time on a Broadway stage.
The 79th Tony Awards ceremony took place June 8, 2026, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Sources
- New York Theatre Guide — Luke Evans’ Broadway debut and Tony nomination for The Rocky Horror Show
- ABC News — 2026 Tony Award nominations announcement
- Broadway.com — Tony nominee Luke Evans interview and show information
- The New York Times — Profile of Evans in Rocky Horror Show
- The Hollywood Reporter — Luke Evans’ Tony-nominated Broadway debut
- TonyAwards.com — Official Tony Award nominations for The Rocky Horror Show
