Hip-hop icon, actor, and activist Common (Lonnie Rashid Lynn) has already achieved one of the entertainment industry’s rarest feats: holding three of the four major competitive awards—the Emmy, the Grammy, and the Oscar, often referred to as the “EGO.” With his eye firmly set on the final prize, the Tony Award, Common embraced the challenging world of live theater, making his critically acclaimed Broadway debut in a role that brought him one crucial step closer to the coveted EGOT status.
Conquering the Stage in a Pulitzer-Winning Play
In late 2022, Common took the leap from the silver screen and recording studio to the Hayes Theater stage, starring in the Broadway premiere of Stephen Adly Guirgis’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Between Riverside and Crazy. The role saw Common portray the complicated character of Junior, the recently paroled son of an ex-cop living in a rent-controlled apartment on the Upper West Side of New York. The performance was a testament to his versatility and commitment to the craft, earning him significant praise from critics. The production itself was a success, with the limited engagement running from November 30, 2022, to February 12, 2023.
The EGOT Quest: Awaiting the Tony
Common’s pursuit of the Tony Award would officially seal his membership in one of the most exclusive clubs in show business. He already possesses a distinguished collection of hardware. He won the Oscar (Academy Award) for Best Original Song for “Glory” from the film Selma (2014), shared with John Legend. He won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for “A Song For Women” from the documentary The Day I Met El Chapo (2017). He holds multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)” (2002).
While the play Between Riverside and Crazy was nominated for Best Revival of a Play at the 76th Tony Awards in 2023, Common himself was not nominated for his performance in the role of Junior, leaving him still one award short of the EGOT.
A Legacy of Artistic Ambition
Common’s ambition follows in the footsteps of a select few who have successfully achieved the EGOT. Recent members who successfully transitioned through multiple mediums to complete the set include Jennifer Hudson and Viola Davis. Common’s foray into Broadway, though not immediately securing him the Tony, demonstrates the dedication required to join this elite rank and confirms his desire to push the boundaries of his artistic endeavors. The rapper-turned-actor-turned-playwright is now among the most prominent stars who are just one award away from making history.