A Tony Nod Takes Fences Star Stephen McKinley Henderson’s Breath Away

The morning the Tony nominations are announced, phones start ringing off the hook for the happy few who get nods. As usual, Broadway.com is among the callers offering congratulations and getting responses. Here are the first reactions from 2010 Tony nominees. Congrats to all!

Stephen McKinley Henderson
Nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play, Fences
“I feel very, very fortunate today. My wife called from Buffalo to let me know [about the nomination]. I’m on the faculty at SUNY Buffalo, and I’m fortunate that my university lets me take leave without pay, primarily to work on August [Wilson plays]. I’ve felt a lot of good will out there for me, and I so appreciate that! I’ve been in the business for a while, you know. I was arrested by [the nomination]; that’s really what I was. I was frozen by it, just had to take my breath and say it’s wonderful to be at this place with such a wonderful project, with such wonderful people, and then to be recognized like this. For me, [the Tony] is a connection with tradition of theater, the legacy of theater, the standards of theater. It’s at once old-school and very current.”

For reactions from more of this year's Tony nominees, click here!