Keanu Reeves reaction to Jonathan Groff at Tony Awards became the highlight of this year’s ceremony when Jonathan Groff leapt from the stage and unexpectedly involved Reeves in his performance. The unscripted moment took place during Groff’s musical number, leaving both the audience and Reeves himself in awe at the 2025 Tony Awards.
An Unforgettable Onstage Encounter Between Groff and Reeves
As Jonathan Groff performed a selection of classics, including Mack the Knife and Once in a Lifetime, he stepped into the crowd, fixing his attention on Keanu Reeves. In a lighthearted gesture, Groff straddled the John Wick star’s chair, singing to him. The moment was underscored by Groff serenading Reeves with the words:
“and the only heart I own is for you and you alone.”
—Jonathan Groff, Performer
Continuing his playful performance, Groff caressed Reeves’ hair and chest while the actor responded with a dramatic, surprised expression. As the cameras zoomed in, Reeves broke into a wide smile, flashing the iconic ‘rock n’ roll’ devil horns with both hands. This spontaneous act underscored his easygoing nature and willingness to participate fully in the event, much to the delight of everyone there.
Groff didn’t hold back as he sang,
“I can only give you country walks in springtime, and a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall,”
embracing the affectionate and comedic spirit of the encounter. —Jonathan Groff, Performer
Groff Draws Inspiration from Bobby Darin’s Stage Presence
The energy in the room captured what Groff had set out to achieve with his performance, channeling Bobby Darin’s knack for audience interaction.
“break the fourth wall with the audience to create that connection that Bobby was really famous for.”
—Jonathan Groff, Performer
This approach paid off, providing a memorable exchange that honored the legacy of Darin while drawing the audience, including high-profile attendees, directly into the narrative.
A Look at Groff and Reeves’ Past Collaboration
The chemistry between Reeves and Groff stems from more than just this onstage moment; the two previously starred together in The Matrix Resurrections, where Groff portrayed Agent Smith, a role originally played by Hugo Weaving. Their time together further solidified their professional relationship, as Groff immersed himself in action choreography and trained rigorously for their fight scenes. He admitted,
“could actually be present with one of the greatest action stars of our generation.”
—Jonathan Groff, Performer
Reflecting on his experience working with Reeves, Groff once shared,
“an experience I’ll hold in my heart for the rest of my life.”
—Jonathan Groff, Performer
He further emphasized how inspiring it was to work with Reeves, expressing,
“It was so exciting to be doing such extraordinary fight choreography with the greatest action star of our time and someone that’s so devoted to their craft,”
—Jonathan Groff, Performer.
Memorable Impact of the Tony Awards Moment
The surprise incident between Groff and Reeves at the Tony Awards will likely be remembered by attendees and viewers alike as a testament to live theater’s unpredictability. It showcased both Reeves’ openness to being part of the fun and Groff’s dedication to breaking down the barrier between performer and audience, linking back to Broadway traditions and the camaraderie they’ve shared from earlier projects. As moments like this continue to circulate, they reinforce the magic and occasional unpredictability that only live award shows can offer.
