Christopher Jackson, the original actor who portrayed George Washington in the acclaimed musical Hamilton, has made a remarkable return to Broadway after nearly a decade. His comeback performance took place on 8 September at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, marking a poignant moment for both the actor and the audience. Jackson, now 50, has resumed his role for a limited engagement, captivating theatre-goers with his powerful presence.
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In exclusive backstage images shared by PEOPLE, Jackson is seen preparing for his first night back in the role that brought him fame and accolades. His initial stint in Hamilton began with developmental workshops and included a successful Off-Broadway run at the Public Theater before the musical transferred to Broadway in 2015. Praised for his performance, Jackson garnered a Tony Award nomination and won a Grammy as part of the original cast recording.
Reflecting on his return to the stage, Jackson has been vocal about the mixed emotions that surfaced during the rehearsal process. He described it as “not learning it, but remembering it,” referring to the unique mental aspect of revisiting a role he had not played for years. “It was like seeing a bunch of ghosts of all my friends,” he remarked, recalling how reminders of the original cast flooded back to him during rehearsals. Even the touch of familiar props triggered a rush of nostalgia.
Jackson’s prior experience with Hamilton was deeply influential, and even now, he finds the musical’s resonance still physically affects him. “I’ve never been able to watch it comfortably… my blood pressure goes up the moment that it starts,” he admitted, showcasing the profound impact the show continues to have on him.
His return was met with great enthusiasm from the audience, who welcomed him back with raucous applause. The highlights of the evening included standing ovations, particularly during the powerful number “One Last Time,” where the audience rose to their feet in appreciation. Among the attendees was Jackson’s wife, Veronica Vazquez-Jackson, who is set to make her own Broadway appearance soon in a production of In the Heights.
Notable figures were also present on this significant occasion, including New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston and his family, who are longtime fans of the musical. Their attendance came ahead of Hamilton’s scheduled performance during an upcoming halftime show for the Giants.
Following the performance, Jackson’s return was celebrated on stage by Hamilton’s director Thomas Kail and Ron Chernow, whose biography of Alexander Hamilton inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical. The joyous gathering marked a homecoming that Jackson described as “deeply meaningful.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage once more with a project that has permanently altered the trajectory of his career.
Jackson’s return aligns with milestones in Hamilton’s journey, such as a potential celebration for the show’s upcoming tenth anniversary in 2025. The actor explained that this significant anniversary sparked his desire to revisit the role. “There are few opportunities that you get to have that give you a chance to really dig in,” he noted, highlighting the new dynamics among the cast and crew since he last performed.
Speaking to PEOPLE earlier this summer, he described how being part of Hamilton has been one of the great honours of his career. Producer Jeffrey Seller also emphasised Jackson’s unique musicality and voice, noting that Miranda had written the role of George Washington with Jackson specifically in mind.
Hamilton, which has been a cultural phenomenon since its Broadway debut in 2015, has received numerous accolades and remained a pivotal work in theatre history. It intricately narrates the story of America’s founding through a score that combines various musical genres, solidifying its place in the hearts of audiences.
As Jackson resumes his role, he shares his deep appreciation for theatre. He remarked, “Broadway is Broadway. There’s nothing like it in the world.” He articulated a desire for meaningful contributions through performance, underscoring the intrinsic value of live theatre.
Jackson’s engagement as George Washington is scheduled to continue through 3 January 2027, offering fans both old and new the chance to experience his iconic performance. As Hamilton thrives with its current cast, including Marcus John as Alexander Hamilton and Donald Webber, Jr. as Aaron Burr, Jackson’s presence reignites the spirit of this extraordinary musical. Tickets for the show are now available, making it a vibrant time for theatre lovers in New York.