Who is Lin-Manuel Miranda? Besides creating and starring in two amazing Broadway musicals, “Hamilton” and “In the Heights,” he has won a Pulitzer Prize, two Grammys, three Tony’s, and a MacArthur Genius grant. This crazy-talented guy isn’t just a national treasure because of his amazing work, but also because he is crazy-versatile, and a majorly cool guy. This one's for you, Lin!
1. When he was invited to do spoken word at the White House and debuted the crazy idea of a hip-hop album about Alexander Hamilton.
Everyone laughed as Miranda began to perform, but no one laughed by the time he was through with what would become the opening number of “Hamilton." Chills City.
2. When he made everyone cry with his perfect Tony’s acceptance speech in the wake of the Orlando shooting.
It wasn’t just a speech. It was a sonnet that encapsulated the tragedy, pain and hope of the community. After thanking his wife, Miranda addressed the mourning community:
“We chase the melodies that seem to find us until they're finished songs and start to play. When senseless acts of tragedy remind us that nothing here is promised. Not one day. This show is proof that history remembers we live through time when hate and fear seem stronger. We rise and fall while heat from dying embers remembrances that hope and love last longer. And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love, cannot be killed or swept aside. I sing Vanessa’s symphony; Eliza tells her story. Now fill the world with music love and pride.”
Amen to that.
3. When he proved that love was real.
(We love you, too, Vanessa!)
After marrying Vanessa Nadal, Lin-Manuel described his bride:“She knows she’s dope. She’s beautiful, but not vain. She’s smart, but not arrogant. It’s like, all killer, no filler.”
The feeling's also mutual. Vanessa, when asked in the same interview, said, “He gets me in a way that no one else does. I’m a scientist at heart. I try very hard not to let my emotions cloud my judgments, and he’ll see through that and see what I’m really feeling.”
Swoon!
4. When he showed support for Secretary Hillary Clinton in the best possible way.
The best way is with song, of course: “Tim Kaine in the membrane, Tim Kaine in the brain.” Trust me, if you haven’t watched yet, it’s worth it!
5. When he rocked SNL.
What was the best part of this amazing week, live in New York? Maybe it’s the host's crazy-good monologue song (with an epic Trump burn). Maybe it’s Lin-Manuel's epic parody of every "Stand and Deliver"- esque sobfest. My favorite, though, was every theater kids 'crazy' night out, with the digital short "Crucible Cast Party."
“Miss Donahue said we could do 'Rent' next year.”
T0o real, y’all. Too real.
6. Every time he used social media.
I did knock 'em out! Thanks, Lin-Manuel!
7. His amazing work on the upcoming Disney princess movie “Moana.”
Alessia Cara just debuted the new song from the motion picture, "How Far I'll Go".
I am already sobbing. Thanks in part to Lin-Manuel, we get an epic Disney princess of color, singing a hella inspirational song.
Stay awesome, Lin-Manuel!
