# Will Brill on Balancing Tony Wins and Leading Film Roles The versatile actor discusses his creative process and finding joy beyond industry accolades. - **Source:** [IndieWire](https://www.indiewire.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d7c73ee5-7dc5-4821-89f7-831a1372a280 ## An Evolving Career Path Will Brill has transitioned from a reliable supporting actor to a Tony Award winner and a leading man. Known for his work in 'Stereophonic' and 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,' he now balances high-profile theater with challenging film roles. Brill remains grounded, focusing on the creative process rather than just industry recognition. ## The Tony Award Impact Winning the 2024 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in 'Stereophonic' did not fundamentally alter Brill's career trajectory as he once anticipated. Instead of seeking immediate fame, he chose rewarding projects over potential international runs. This decision allowed him to prioritize artistic growth and take on his first major film lead. ## Leading in 'The Musical' In Giselle Bonilla’s 2025 film 'The Musical,' Brill portrays a struggling drama teacher in a dark comedy. He felt an immediate connection to the script's unique conceit and shocking humor. The role required him to carry the film, a significant shift from his usual supporting work in ensemble-driven projects. ## The Power of Audience Brill emphasizes that 'The Musical' is best experienced in a theater with an unsuspecting audience. He frequently snuck into screenings to observe viewers reacting to the film's central twist. The actor finds deep gratification in witnessing how collective shock and humor shape the communal experience of watching his work. ## Navigating Heavy Material Brill’s filmography includes intense dramas like 'Test Pattern,' which explored the aftermath of sexual assault. He notes that this project and 'The Musical' share a surprising emotional DNA. Both required immense trust between the actor and first-time filmmakers, pushing him to take on significant responsibility for the project's overall success. ## Studio Film Experiences His role in Darren Aronofsky’s 'Caught Stealing' provided a stark contrast to his indie roots. Working on a large-scale set with stars like Austin Butler and Zoe Kravitz, Brill was impressed by the director's supportive nature. He even successfully convinced passersby that he was a real homeless man during filming. ## Collaborating with Sian Heder Brill rounds out 2026 with a supporting role in Sian Heder’s 'Being Heumann,' a biopic about disability rights activist Judy Heumann. He describes the set as one of the most joyful environments he has experienced. Working alongside Mark Ruffalo, Brill found that Heder brings light and humor to heavy historical topics. ## The Reality of Reviews Unlike many performers who avoid criticism, Brill actively reads reviews, including those on Letterboxd. He finds validation in thoughtful critiques, such as those from the New York Times regarding his portrayal of Dr. Anthony Fauci in 'Kramer/Fauci.' For him, these reviews serve as a reflection of the audience's engagement. ## Daily Artistic Balance Brill finds creative joy in the mundane aspects of an actor's life, such as reading by the river in Dumbo between shows. He contrasts the physical intensity of 'Stereophonic,' which required constant crying and screaming, with his quieter, more meditative roles. This balance helps him maintain his mental well-being while performing. ## Life Beyond the Stage The actor’s grounded perspective is reinforced by his domestic life, including caring for his cat, Curtis. These moments of normalcy provide a necessary counterweight to the glamour of award ceremonies and film premieres. Brill views his career as a series of human experiences rather than a ladder of professional achievements. ## Commitment to Craft Whether playing a supporting character or a lead, Brill approaches every role with a sense of responsibility. He acknowledges that while he previously relied on the strength of ensembles, his recent leading roles have demanded more of his personal energy. This shift has deepened his commitment to selecting projects that challenge him. ## Defining Personal Success For Will Brill, success is not measured by awards or box office numbers, but by the quality of the creative journey. He continues to seek out stories that surprise him and collaborators who share his passion. By staying focused on the work itself, he maintains a sustainable and fulfilling acting career. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.indiewire.com/features/interviews/will-brill-tony-stereophonic-the-musical-being-heumann-1235225224/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._