Brandon J. Dirden Says Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter ‘Never Stopped Being Kids’ While Tackling “Waiting for Godot” (Exclusive)

Brandon J. Dirden, the acclaimed actor currently nominated for a Tony Award for his powerful portrayal of Pozzo in the Broadway revival of Samuel Beckett’s *Waiting for Godot*, has shared insights into his experiences with co-stars Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. In an interview with PEOPLE, Dirden reflects on the unique camaraderie that developed between the trio, which often lightened the weighty themes of the production.

The revival, which premiered on September 28, 2025, at the Hudson Theatre in New York City, has garnered critical praise for its exploration of existential themes, where two characters, Vladimir and Estragon—played by Reeves and Winter, respectively—await the arrival of a mysterious figure named Godot, who never comes. Amidst the serious undertones of the play, Dirden encountered a refreshing sense of levity backstage thanks to his costars’ playful demeanour.

Dirden, whose role as Pozzo is characterised by a larger-than-life presence, noted the humorous and often juvenile conversations that took place offstage. “They were just ridiculous conversations,” he recalled, reflecting on the unexpected camaraderie shared with the film icons. “Some of them were adolescent teenage boy talk,” he said, adding that it was a reminder of their humanity despite the high-profile status of his co-stars.

Describing Reeves as incredibly generous, Dirden emphasised that his costars maintained a childlike spirit, which was crucial as they navigated the profound and sometimes dark narrative of *Waiting for Godot*. “They held on to that spirit while we were entering this very difficult journey. It was quite necessary to approach the work with that much joy,” he commented, illustrating how this dynamic bolstered their performances.

Under the direction of Jamie Lloyd, who previously directed the Tony-winning revival of *Sunset Boulevard*, Dirden felt a distinctive sense of freedom in portraying Pozzo. “What makes him so unique as a director is that he has almost an unparalleled trust in the artists he assembles,” Dirden explained, noting the creative liberty they were afforded to portray their characters authentically.

Portraying Pozzo, a character known for demanding attention and control, allowed Dirden to explore a facet of his personality rarely expressed in everyday life. He articulated the joy of playing a character who unapologetically takes up space: “It scratches that little ego itch I think all of us have, especially artists,” he shared. This opportunity to embrace a more assertive aspect of himself resonated deeply with him.

Having enjoyed a successful career on stage—including previous credits in productions such as *Clybourne Park* and *Take Me Out*—Dirden described his engagement with *Waiting for Godot* as a fulfilling yet surprising turn in his artistic journey. “It was not on my bingo card,” he admitted. “To wrestle with these questions that Beckett poses, which often have no answers, was so expansive for me as a human being.”

One of the most poignant aspects of this journey for Dirden has been the shared experience of his Tony nomination with his young son, Chase. “I came home and he hadn’t gotten the news yet. When I told him, he just exploded with joy,” Dirden reminisced, his voice filled with emotion. This personal celebration added an unexpected joy to an already thrilling career milestone.

As the Tony Awards approach, scheduled to be held on June 7, 2026, at Radio City Music Hall, Dirden’s nomination stands as a testament to his dedication and talent. He is eager to share this moment with his son, reflecting on how fatherhood has enhanced his experience as an artist. “When I dreamed as a little kid about being a Tony nominee, I never imagined what it would mean to share that with my child,” he noted, demonstrating the deeper connection between his personal and professional life.

The imminent awards ceremony, to be broadcast live on CBS, holds special meaning for Dirden, who continues to celebrate the creative collaboration that has marked his time in *Waiting for Godot*. As he prepares to navigate both the accolades and the profound themes of the play, he carries with him the spirit of joy and kinship cultivated alongside Reeves and Winter.