The Normal Heart’s Joe Mantello Feels Like a 'Happy Interloper' on Tony Nom Day

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 2011 Tony nominees. Congrats to all!

Joe Mantello
Nominated for Best Actor in a Play, The Normal Heart

"It’s a little disorienting. I slept very late because I don’t really [act] for a living; I’m more tired than I remember being last time I did this. I woke up and there were many messages on my phone, so I scrolled through them and smiled a huge smile and got up and made coffee. We hit the ground running with two weeks of rehearsal and a few days of tech and previews, so it really was my first proper day off in several weeks. I just wanted to see nature! I have a house on Long Island, so I was there trying to be a real person again. It’s strange and I feel a little removed from it. It was honestly completely unexpected. For 16 or 17 years now, I had put that to rest. I don’t define myself as an actor anymore, so to be in the company of not only any actors but extraordinary actors in my category and among all the nominees, I feel like a bit of an interloper. But a happy interloper. It’s very nice and very unexpected and kind of shocking and surreal. To celebrate I’m going to go do Larry Kramer’s brilliant play to the best of my ability! I can think of no better way to celebrate than to be able to stand on the stage tonight and say those words that I’ve waited a very, very long time to say."