Jonathan Groff - Good Hang with Amy Poehler Recap

Podcast: Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Published: 2026-02-10

Duration: 1 hr 24 min

Guests: Gracie Lawrence

Summary

Jonathan Groff shares insights into his career, the importance of genuine connections in the arts, and his experiences in iconic Broadway shows.

What Happened

Amy Poehler hosts Jonathan Groff on 'Good Hang,' where they discuss his journey from a horse farm in Pennsylvania to a celebrated Broadway star. Groff shares anecdotes from his early life, revealing his initial fear of horses despite his family's horse business, and his love for musicals that began with a record of 'Annie Get Your Gun.' He reflects on his breakout role in 'Spring Awakening,' the friendship and professional growth it facilitated, and how it helped him come out as gay. Groff talks about his experiences with 'Hamilton,' detailing how he built his character and used backstage time productively. The episode touches on his role in 'Looking,' highlighting the challenges and rewards of playing a gay character on TV. Groff also discusses the significance of 'Merrily We Roll Along,' both personally and professionally, as it mirrored his 20-year journey in the industry. Poehler and Groff end on a light note, discussing their shared love for YouTube bloopers and the humorous side of live performances.

Key Insights

• Jonathan Groff initially feared horses despite growing up on a horse farm in Pennsylvania, a surprising fact given his family's business.
• Groff's love for musicals was ignited by a record of 'Annie Get Your Gun,' marking the beginning of his journey to Broadway stardom.
• During his time in 'Hamilton,' Groff utilized backstage moments to build his character, demonstrating a unique approach to role preparation.
• The role in 'Merrily We Roll Along' mirrored Groff's 20-year career, providing both personal and professional significance as it paralleled his industry journey.