Fil-Am Marc dela Cruz first Asian-American actor to portray Alexander Hamilton on broadway

“Sometimes amazement lies right around the corner. Thank you for all the messages of support and encouragement I’ve received over the last few days. I’m truly overwhelmed and humbled. It’s an honor to represent my communities in any way big or small.” (Photo: @marc_delacruz/Instagram)

Marc dela Cruz, a Hawaii-born theater actor of Filipino-Japanese descent, lands the role of Alexander Hamilton in Broadway musical “Hamilton,” becoming the first Asian-American actor to star in the Tony award-winning musical.

In an Instagram post, Marc expresses his gratitude saying, “Thank you to the Ham Fam and everyone who supported me from near and far on my first couple of outings going on as Alexander Hamilton. This show continues to amaze and thrill me. Whether I’m on as Man 5 or as Ham, I love being able to help tell this story.”

In a separate post, he acknowledges this milestone saying, “I’m truly overwhelmed and humbled. I’m proud to join the Asian/API and Asian American performers who’ve been repping in Hamilton productions worldwide and in all kinds of ways onstage and onscreen,” adding, “Since joining Hamilton Musical I’ve witnessed the power of this show to bring people together in a positive, uplifting way.”

Marc began his broadway career in 2014, playing as Swing in musical “If/Then” alongside Idina Menzel and Anthony Rapp. Since November 2018, he played various roles in “Hamilton” like King George, John Laurens, Philip Hamilton, James Reynolds, and Philip Schuyler before he landed the lead.

Co-star Olivia Oguma posted about how proud she was of her friend Marc landing the role, in a Facebook post sharing, “Tonight, we had the first Asian-American Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton on Broadway. Just wanted to let everyone know. Marc de la Cruz I have never been more proud of anyone. I’m so happy for you.” She also states, “Marc is not my friend—he is my brother, and someone we consider a family member. I am so thrilled to have had him in my life for 11 years. His best performance to date will always be singing ‘We Kiss in the Shadow’ with me in our recording studio/bathroom in our hotel room in Minneapolis on the High School Musical tour, but his performance as Hamilton is a close second.”

According to reports, Jin Ha has played Hamilton in the Chicago production, while Joseph Morales has played Hamilton on tour, both joining Marc as Asian-Americans who has portrayed the coveted role.