Jonathan Groff has played some unforgettable roles over the years. Broadway fans know him from Spring Awakening, Hamilton, and Merrily We Roll Along. Disney fans know his voice as Kristoff in Frozen. And theater lovers are already buzzing about his upcoming performance as Bobby Darin in Just in Time.
But one of the most charming stories about Groff isn’t about a stage performance. It’s about the moment he came out to his parents—and how the story eventually came full circle in the most ironic, fabulous way possible.
The “He’s Not My Roommate” Conversation
Like many coming out stories, Groff’s started with a mix of nerves, honesty, and a little awkward comedy.
While appearing on Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang with Amy, he shared the moment he told his parents the truth about his relationship. At the time, he had been introducing his boyfriend Cody as his “roommate,” a classic move many LGBTQ people will recognize.
@goodhangwithamy You can’t rain on a parade with Jonathan Groff as Grand Marshal☂️ #jonathangroff #parade
Eventually, though, the truth had to come out.
So he sat them down and said something along the lines of: Cody isn’t actually my roommate. Cody is my boyfriend. And yes, I’m gay. Then, in an attempt to soften the moment, he added something that now feels hilariously ironic: he assured them that being gay didn’t mean he’d suddenly become super public about it.
In fact, he told them he definitely wouldn’t be marching in Pride parades or waving rainbow flags.
Plot Twist: Pride Parade Grand Marshal
Life, as it turns out, loves a good sense of humor.
Years later, a far more confident Groff would end up doing something he once promised his parents he wouldn’t do: he served as a Grand Marshal of the New York City Pride Parade. Yes, really. Complete with a rainbow sash and all the Pride celebration you can imagine according to Groff.
Looking back, the actor laughs at the moment, recognizing that his younger self was still working through feelings of shame and uncertainty about his identity.
But the transformation—from quietly coming out to proudly celebrating his identity in front of thousands—shows just how much growth can happen with time.
The Power of Support
One of the reasons Groff looks back on his coming out journey with gratitude is the support system around him.
In interviews, he’s said he feels incredibly thankful that no one forced him to come out before he was ready. Even when he moved to New York and joined the cast of Spring Awakening, the people around him respected his space.
His castmates likely knew that Cody was more than just a roommate, but no one pressured him to label or declare anything publicly. Instead, they gave him the time and support he needed to figure things out on his own terms.
That kind of quiet acceptance made a huge difference.
Falling in Love Changed Everything
Another major turning point for Groff came when he fell in love with actor and singer Gavin Creel. Creel, a beloved Broadway performer who passed away in 2024, helped Groff see his identity in a new light. Experiencing that kind of love made something click.
He has said that being in love made him realize that living openly and honestly felt far better than hiding.
In hindsight, he sees his coming out journey as a series of steps rather than a single moment.
RELATED: Last Text: Groff Reflects on Love, Loss, and a Final Goodbye to Creel
A Story That Comes Full Circle
Today, Groff is known not only for his incredible talent but also for his warmth, humor, and openness. His story resonates with many LGBTQ fans because it’s relatable: sometimes coming out isn’t one big dramatic moment.
Sometimes it’s awkward. Sometimes it’s funny. And sometimes you promise your parents you’ll never wave a Pride flag… only to end up leading the parade years later.
If there’s a lesson in Groff’s story, it’s that self-acceptance doesn’t always happen overnight. But with love, time, and a little humor, the journey can lead somewhere beautiful—and maybe even a rainbow sash along the way.