Broadway luminary Michael Crawford has been named one of the recipients of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. Best known for originating the title role in ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ Crawford’s credit’s also include Cornelius Hackl in the 1969 film version of ‘Hello, Dolly!’
The ceremony, held on December 7, continued the center’s tradition of honoring distinguished artists. Among this year’s honorees are Sylvester Stallone, country music artist George Strait, disco/gospel icon Gloria Gaynor, and the band KISS.
In paying tribute to Crawford’s career, musical performances included Carrie Manolakos singing ‘It Only Takes a Moment,’ from ‘Hello, Dolly!’ and excerpts from ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ by Laura Osnes and David Phelps. In attendance were artists such as Miranda Lambert, Kurt Russell, Kelsey Grammar, and more.
“I owe America a great deal for Gene Kelly putting me in ‘Hello, Dolly!’ and coming to Broadway in ‘Phantom’… Working with the great Hal Prince. I owe America a great deal,” says Crawford.