Meet the 7 New Broadway Stars Turned 2026 Tony Nominees

Every Broadway season brings fresh faces to the stage, but this year’s Tony Awards spotlight several standout performers who are not only nominated — they’re making their official Broadway debuts. Let’s take a closer look at the 2026 acting nominees who are dazzling Broadway audiences for the very first time this season...

Aya Cash

Up for: Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Cash made her Broadway debut as 'Jessie' in Giant, which is running through June 28 at the Music Box Theatre.

Aya on her debut: "I don't think I even dreamed this big. I think I was just hopeful to get to Broadway and maybe like say a line and sweep the stage. The fact that I get to do it with these incredible actors and get to say more than one line is... I've won!"

Alden Ehrenreich

Up for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Ehrenreich made his Broadway debut as 'Max' in Becky Shaw, which runs through June 14 at the Hayes Theatre.

Alden on his debut: "I'm just very, very grateful that [my debut] is with this particular play and I feel very excited about this character and this role."

Luke Evans

Up for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Evans made his Broadway debut as 'Frank-N-Furter' in The Rocky Horror Show, which runs through November 29 at Studio 54. 

Luke on his debut: "I never thought that I would do Broadway, but it was always on my bucket list. And it's happened. And I'm here. And I'm loving it! We're rehearsing on 42 Street! Even the name 42nd Street, to me, just brings up these dreams that I've had for such a long time!"

Will Harrison

Up for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Harrison made his Broadway debut as 'Jacob' in Punch, which concluded its limited engagement on November 2. 

Will on his debut: "[Broadway] has always been a huge goal of mine and something I knew I wanted to do for a long time. To do it in this show was something I wasn't expecting. It's an amazing part in an amazing play with an amazing company. I couldn't ask for more."

Lesley Manville

Up for: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Manville made her Broadway debut as 'Jocasta' in Oedipus, which concluded its limited engagement on February 8. 

Lesley on her debut: "You know, I’ve done a lot of plays, but every now and again, one comes along that really shakes you—and Oedipus certainly did that for me. I knew from the beginning that it was going to be a powerful piece of theatre, and I think it truly was. I’m very touched that Broadway responded so warmly to my work."

Sam Tutty

Up for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Tutty made his Broadway debut as 'Dougal' in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), which is now running at the Longacre Theatre. 

Sam on his debut: "I'm so proud to end up with the show, but I'm more happy for everybody else getting this opportunity. Not only is this well-deserved show going to Broadway, but I get to do it with people who I call friends now. And it's a very surreal experience."

Layton Williams

Up for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Williams made his Broadway debut as 'Iceberg' in Titaníque, which is running through September 20 at the St. James Theatre.

Layton on his debut: "To do a show that has been well received and get to bring my Iceberg over here, there is a sense if relief in that. At least I know I can do it! I'm just kind of like sitting in the joy of it all and I want to enjoy the ride."