Jonathan Groff Takes New Role As A Music Legend With Some Racy Secrets

Hot off his Tony Award win for “Merrily We Roll Along,” actor Jonathan Groff has secured his next Broadway role.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Groff will star as legendary singer Bobby Darin in the new musical “Just in Time,” directed by Alex Timbers and slated to open at New York’s Circle in the Square Theatre in spring 2025.

These days, Darin is best remembered for his clutch of 1950s and ’60s pop hits, including “Splish Splash” and “Dream Lover,” as well as his wistful rendition of “Beyond the Sea.”

But, as Groff explains in this week’s episode of Andrew Chappelle and Cody Rigsby’s “Tactful Pettiness” podcast, Darin — who died in 1973 at age 37 — kept a few racy secrets close to his chest, too.

“This guy is fire. He’s such an incredible performer and really special,” Groff said, as heard in the below clip. “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.”

And when Groff performed a workshop version of “Just in Time” this summer, he found himself similarly, um, aroused.

“I did feel some tingles,” the actor quipped.

Listen to Jonathan Groff talk about “Just in Time” on the “Tactful Pettiness” podcast below.

Elsewhere in the interview, Groff chimes in on the longstanding rumor that Lea Michele, his longtime friend and former “Glee” and “Spring Awakening” co-star, doesn’t know how to read.

“I have seen her read,” he said. “Let it be known.”

Hear Groff address the Lea Michele rumor below:

Groff is the first celebrity guest to appear on “Tactful Pettiness,” which launched in June. The show is very much a labor of love for Rigsby, the beloved Peloton instructor who catapulted to global fame about