Photos: Matte Martinez Takes Final Bow in MJ on Broadway

Martinez will be succeeded by Ilario Grant in the title role on Tuesday.

By: Michael Major Aug. 31, 2026

MJ the Musical said goodbye to Matte Martinez, who played his final performance as ‘MJ' on Sunday.

See photos from his final curtain call at the Neil Simon Theatre below. Martinez was celebrated with a bouqet of flowers after his final show. See photos from the curtain call now.

Ilario Grant will assume the titular role of ‘MJ’ in Broadway’s smash-hit musical MJ. Grant, who made his Broadway debut as a standby for ‘MJ’ and ‘Michael’ in 2023, will begin performances on Tuesday, September 15.

Since beginning performances in December 2021, MJ has played to over 2 million patrons on Broadway and more than 7 million patrons globally. The production is currently playing in Germany at Hamburg’s Stage Theater starring Benét Monteiro and will soon embark on international Asian and UK tours. The Tony Award-winning Broadway production has broken the box office record at the Neil Simon Theatre 11 times.

Matte Martinez Photos: Michaelah Reynolds