Broadway star Jonathan Groff created an unexpectedly revealing moment during his appearance on NBC's "Today with Jenna & Friends" this week, leaving hosts in stitches with a confession about his upcoming Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade performance.
Parade Plans Take an Unexpected Turn
The Tony-winning actor, who's set to perform with the cast of Broadway's "Just in Time" at the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, broke into giggles while discussing his outfit choices for the outdoor event. "I am gonna just brave the cold in the costume," Groff announced before dropping his bombshell: "I've decided to not wear any undergarments."
Realizing his wording might suggest more than intended, the actor quickly attempted to clarify: "Any extra undergarments." Despite his effort to correct course, the damage was done, and guest host Andy Cohen immediately pounced on the opportunity for humor.
Morning Television Gets Raunchy
Cohen joked about what might happen if Groff opted to "free ball" during the parade before offering practical advice: "You need long underwear!" Host Jenna Bush Hager then quipped about the appropriateness of the conversation for morning television, noting: "I don't know that we say 'free ball' on morning television."
The hilarious exchange occurred while Groff was promoting the filmed version of the 2023 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along," which hits theaters next week. Both Groff and Daniel Radcliffe received Tony Awards for their performances in the musical, which also starred Lindsay Mendez.
From Broadway to Bobby Darin's Steamy Secrets
Currently, Broadway enthusiasts can catch Groff in the musical "Just in Time," where he portrays legendary pop singer Bobby Darin, famous for 1950s and '60s hits like "Splish Splash" and "Dream Lover." While it remains unknown whether Darin wore undergarments during his performances, Groff has suggested the crooner had some provocative secrets of his own.
During an appearance on Andrew Chappelle and Cody Rigsby's "Tactful Pettiness" podcast last year, Groff revealed fascinating details about Darin's performance style. "This guy is fire. He's such an incredible performer and really special," Groff explained. "I read this book about him, where he talked about his relationship to the audience. He, for example, would wear a condom when he went onstage in case he ejaculated."
Groff admitted that while preparing for his role as Darin, he experienced similar, though less extreme, physical reactions to performing. "I did feel some tingles," the actor confessed, suggesting that the connection between performer and audience can manifest in unexpected ways.
The actor will have the opportunity to test his cold-weather resilience this Thursday when he performs in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, with or without additional layers beneath his costume.
