Tony Awards 2023: Sean Hayes wins Best Performance in a Play, calls husband Scott Icenogle his 'purpose'

American actor and comedian Sean Hayes won the Tony Award for Best Performance in a Play and made a sweet dedication to his husband during his acceptance speech.
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Tony Awards 2023: Sean Hayes wins Best Performance in a Play, calls husband Scott Icenogle his 'purpose'

American actor and comedian Sean Hayes won the Tony Award for Best Performance in a Play and made a sweet dedication to his husband during his acceptance speech. Read on to find out what the 52-year-old said and who he thanked while accepting the award.

Tony Awards 2023: Sean Hayes wins Best Performance in a Play, calls husband Scott Icenogle his 'purpose'

Sean Hayes wins Tony Award for Best Performance by Scott Icenogle as his 'purpose'
On June 11, 2023, Hayes won a Tony Award for his role as Oscar Levant in the play Good Night, Oscar. During his speech, the actor quipped, "Oh my God, this is going to be the first time an Oscar has won a Tony." He added, "I'm shaking, I can't believe it - this is so real," as he stood on stage with his award at the United Palace Theater in New York.

Referring to her husband, Hayes said, "First of all, my husband, Scotty—he's Scotty, right? I never get him right. He's my purpose every day of my life." He continued, "Cast and crew, I love you so much, we have so many laughs backstage. Half of my performance I owe to director Lisa Peters, she's phenomenal. And the other half to the greatest playwright ever. , Doug Wright, I'm only standing here because of you, Doug."

Speaking about his character, the Will & Grace star said that Oscar Levant was "life-changing" for him and that his "wit and edginess and virtue are not only inspiring but truly original." "Thank you, Oscar Levant, wherever you are. Thank you so much," the Emmy Award-winning actor said. The actor was previously nominated for a Tony Award in 2010 for Promises, Promises. Meanwhile, Hayes has been married to Icenogle since 2014.

Sean Hayes and Scott Eisenogle's relationship
Hayes met Icenogle in 2006 on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where the latter was a DJ. The actor previously told PEOPLE, "It sounds really corny and cheesy to say, but I saw him, and I knew this was the kind of guy I needed to be with because -- this is an amazing part -- because I I know he makes me better, and he's a very grounded, stable person, and I'm a crazy actor." The actor and musician got married in November 2014.

"Here's a #TBT photo of Scotty and I getting married last week. It took us 8 years but we did it!" Read Hayes' ad post. The couple also co-wrote The Nutcracker-inspired children's book Plum. Hayes admits he is "incredibly lucky" to have the support and love of Icenogle. A post by the latter on her Instagram in March read, "It doesn't feel right to wear a winter coat on the beach. But when I'm here with this fella, everything feels right. [hug emoji] [red heart emoji]."

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