Daniel Dae Kim’s Honest Reaction to Tony Loss
His caught-in-the-moment expression blends genuine warmth and a dash of Broadway blue-hued!
Image: Instagram
A Candid Instagram Moment
On the night of the 76th Tony Awards in New York City, actor Daniel Dae Kim offered fans an unfiltered glimpse of backstage emotion when he posted a behind-the-scenes snap to Instagram. In the photo, Kim stands in a classic black tuxedo, his eyes widening as a camera flash catches him mid-reaction. His caption read, “I always wondered what I would look like if I was ever nominated for an award and had a camera in my face the moment I found out I didn’t win. Now I know. 😅 I’m glad I looked how I felt – thrilled for @coleescola and very grateful to be there. #tonyawards.” The warm response from followers praised Kim’s playful honesty and sportsmanship in celebrating a fellow nominee.
From Small Screen To Broadway
Daniel Dae Kim’s journey to a Tony nomination reflects a career that has spanned more than two decades across television, film and theatre. Born in Busan, South Korea, in 1968, Kim immigrated to the United States at age two and later earned a theatre degree at the University of Washington. He first gained notice on Nickelodeon’s All That before landing his breakout role as Jin-soo Kwon on ABC’s Lost from 2004 to 2010. He went on to star as Steve McGarrett in CBS’s reboot of Hawaii Five-0 and appeared in films ranging from Hellboy to The Divergent Series. Despite his extensive screen credits, Broadway remained unexplored territory until 2023.
The Road To The Tonys
In early May, Kim turned to Instagram Stories to share his gratitude for the nomination. “Thank you to the American Theatre Wing for my nomination. I couldn’t be more grateful. #tonyawards,” he wrote in part one of a two-post series. Part two featured a simple string of emojis—a folded-hands icon, a red heart and a smiling face—underscoring his appreciation. These posts captured the significance of the nod for a performer who has long championed Asian-American representation in entertainment.
Why Yellow Face Matters
Kim earned his Tony nod for his supporting turn in the revival of David Henry Hwang’s play Yellow Face. First staged in 2007, the work mixes autobiography and satire to dissect Hollywood’s history of Asian-faced casting and questions of identity. Directed by Kent Nicholson, the 2023 production reunited Kim with fellow nominee Francis Jue, drawing praise for its sharp wit and relevant themes. The New York Times lauded the revival as a “witty yet poignant examination of race and belonging,” highlighting why the play continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Celebrating Peers And Future Projects
Rather than dwell on disappointment, Kim used his post to applaud comic actor Cole Escola—nominated for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical—for his own moment on stage. Escola, known for Netflix’s Emma and The Other Two, received a standing ovation that Kim made sure to acknowledge. For fans hoping to see Kim’s performance off-Broadway, PBS is set to air Great Performances’ Yellow Face broadcast on May 16 at 9/8c. As Kim noted in an earlier Instagram teaser, the program offers behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews, opening the play to a national audience.
Beyond theatre, Kim is gearing up for more screen roles. In mid-April, he released a teaser for his upcoming Prime Video series Butterfly, set to premiere worldwide on August 13. “It’s an understatement to say that this was an unforgettable experience… I hope you enjoy this little teaser into the world of #BUTTERFLY. #나비 🦋,” he wrote, inviting fans to stay tuned for further updates.
A Night To Remember
Missing out on Broadway’s top prize can sting, but Daniel Dae Kim’s good-humored Instagram post reminded followers that honesty and gratitude can outshine any award. From Lost to Hawaii Five-0 to a Tony nomination, Kim has built a reputation for thoughtful performances and advocacy for diversity. His candid snapshot at the Tony Awards may not have resulted in a trophy, but it offered a moment of genuine connection—one that suggests the journey remains just as rewarding as the destination.
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