Lin-Manuel Miranda Wasn't in Hamilton as Long as You Think

Lin-Manuel Miranda has become a household name thanks to his hit musical Hamilton. In addition to writing the music, lyrics, and book for the Broadway show, he also originated the role of Alexander Hamilton. However, he didn’t star in the musical for as long as you might think. Hamilton first premiered off-Broadway at The Public Theater in January 2015. The show eventually began previews on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (aka the home of Miranda’s 2008 Broadway musical In the Heights) on July 13, 2015, before its official opening on Aug. 6, 2015.

It didn’t take long for the musical to become a smash hit. Along with a Tony win for best musical, Hamilton also won a Grammy for best musical theater album. Additionally, Miranda took home the Pulitzer Prize for drama for the musical as well as the Drama League Distinguished Performance Award. After less than a year in the role, Miranda announced his departure in June 2016 and gave his last performance on July 9, 2016. Though Miranda hasn’t returned to the Broadway show since, he did reprise his role for its three-week run in Puerto Rico in 2019.

Thankfully, his performance will live on forever with the Hamilton movie on Disney+, which releases on July 3. Keep scrolling for more photos of Miranda in his iconic role.

Related: Where You Can Find the Original Cast of Hamilton in Their Other Projects