Danny Burstein, the celebrated Broadway actor renowned for his transformative performances, has opened up about his journey to becoming the most Tony-nominated male actor in history. As he prepares for the upcoming 2026 Tony Awards, Burstein reflected on the profound influence that reading plays as a child had on his life during an interview with PEOPLE.
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Speaking at the 79th Annual Tony Awards ‘Meet the Nominees’ event in New York City, Burstein shared a touching account of his childhood struggles with reading. Despite having parents who were educators, he was often unable to connect with traditional books. “I was a terrible reader,” he admitted, laughing as he recounted the frustration of abandoning stories just a few dozen pages in. However, everything changed the moment his father gave him a play to read.
“This experience changed my life,” Burstein recalled. Understanding the dialogue and emotions of the characters ignited a newfound passion for the arts within him. He quickly became enamoured with theatre, requesting play after play from his father. “I just fell in love with the art form,” he stated poignantly.
His evolving passion paved the way for a serious pursuit of acting throughout his teenage years. No longer feeling adrift, the young Burstein found himself auditioning for the prestigious High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan. He was among the 127 students who secured a place out of over 4,000 applicants. Reflecting on this achievement, he noted, “It set me on the path that I’m still on today.”
After studying at Queens College, Burstein earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, San Diego. He then commenced a remarkable career that has spanned over three decades, securing his reputation as one of Broadway’s quintessential chameleons. His ability to fully immerse himself in varied roles has allowed audiences to forget they are watching the same actor across different productions.
His extensive repertoire includes notable performances in productions such as “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “South Pacific,” “Cabaret,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” and “Gypsy.” Burstein’s commitment to bringing unique physicality and emotional depth to his characters makes each performance a fresh experience. “Being different every single time… that’s what makes it exciting for me,” he remarked about his craft.
This year, Burstein’s latest performance in “Marjorie Prime,” a futuristic family drama written by Jordan Harrison, captivated audiences and critics alike. Directed by Anne Kauffman, the play delves into themes of memory loss and grief, featuring an AI-assisted hologram of a deceased husband. Burstein portrayed Jon, an emotionally layered character striving to hold his family together amidst the turmoil of technology and memory.
“Jon was such a great character to sink my teeth into,” Burstein expressed. He praised the depth of Harrison’s writing, which challenged audience expectations and enriched the portrayal of family dynamics. The actor also acknowledged the strong camaraderie he developed with his co-stars, particularly the remarkable June Squibb, who made history as the oldest acting nominee in Tony history. “I love her so much. She gives me hope,” he said fondly.
This upcoming nomination marks Burstein’s ninth, officially securing his title as the most Tony-nominated male actor ever. Despite these accolades, Burstein remains grounded. He has always prioritised the work itself over the recognition. “You don’t really keep track of those things. You just keep doing the work,” he stated.
Reflecting on his early aspirations, Burstein shared a vision of a simpler future. “All I wanted was to have a normal life — a wife, kids, a home, and the respect of my peers,” he reminisced. In many respects, he has achieved that, although his life has been tinged with personal tragedy. After losing his wife, fellow Broadway star Rebecca Luker, to ALS complications in 2020, he has continued to cope with the challenges that life has presented.
With an impressive body of work now behind him, Burstein has begun to contemplate the future anew. “I guess I have to start dreaming bigger,” he smiled, illustrating his optimistic outlook.
The 2026 Tony Awards are set to take place on June 7 at Radio City Music Hall. Fans and theatre enthusiasts alike will be able to watch the event broadcast live, promising a night to remember celebrating the brilliance of Broadway.