From Broadway To Disney+: Who Plays George Washington In Hamilton And Where Are They Now?

The role of George Washington in the musical Hamilton is arguably one of the most pivotal in modern theatre, embodying the stoic, yet deeply human, 'Father of His Country' through a powerful blend of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Broadway balladry. As of the current date, December 12, 2025, the actor currently playing George Washington on Broadway is Tamar Greene, who brings a commanding presence and rich baritone to the role at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. However, the actor who cemented the character’s iconic status and is most frequently associated with the role is the Tony-nominated star of the Original Broadway Cast (OBC), Christopher Jackson.

The question of "who plays George Washington" has a multi-layered answer, encompassing the legacy of the original star, the current performers leading the charge globally, and the talented actors who have shouldered the burden of command across various North American and international productions. The character serves as Alexander Hamilton's mentor, military commander, and, ultimately, his President, delivering some of the show’s most profound and historically resonant moments.

Christopher Jackson: The Original George Washington and His Enduring Legacy

The definitive portrayal of General and President George Washington belongs to Christopher Jackson, who originated the role in the 2015 Broadway production. His powerful performance earned him a Tony Award nomination and an enduring place in musical theatre history. Jackson’s interpretation captured the gravitas of the historical figure while infusing him with a modern, accessible vulnerability.

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Christopher Jackson: Biography and Career Profile

• Full Name: Christopher Neal Jackson
• Born: September 30, 1975
• Hometown: Cairo, Illinois, USA
• Key Hamilton Role: George Washington (Original Broadway Cast)
• Other Iconic Roles: Benny in In the Heights (Original Broadway Cast), which was also created by Lin-Manuel Miranda; Delray in Memphis; and Simba in The Lion King.
• Awards: Grammy Award (for In the Heights and Hamilton cast albums), Emmy Award (for original music on Sesame Street), Tony Award nomination (for Hamilton).
• Recent Projects (2023–2025): Jackson has successfully transitioned to film and television, starring as Chunk Palmer in the CBS drama Bull for six seasons. His recent film work includes the 2023 musical film World's Best and the upcoming 2024 film Boundary Waters. He has also appeared in the HBO Max series And Just Like That..., continuing his diverse career across media.

Jackson’s Washington is defined by his commanding baritone and the sense of weary responsibility he conveys in songs like "Right Hand Man" and the poignant farewell "One Last Time." He left the Broadway production in November 2016, but his performance is preserved forever in the Disney+ film adaptation, which was filmed with the Original Broadway Cast (OBC).

The Current Commanders: Who is Playing George Washington Now?

Since the Original Broadway Cast moved on, a succession of immensely talented actors has taken up the mantle of the commander-in-chief across the globe. The current performers are responsible for maintaining the show's integrity and powerful message for new audiences.

Tamar Greene: The Broadway General

The current actor leading the Broadway cast as George Washington is Tamar Greene. Greene brings a depth of experience and a powerful vocal quality to the role. His journey to the Richard Rodgers Theatre is a testament to the show's robust internal casting process.

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Greene first joined the Hamilton family as the George Washington standby and then assumed the lead role in the Chicago production, refining his portrayal before joining the main Broadway company. He is an accomplished actor and pianist, known for his work in opera and musical theatre, which lends a rich, classical foundation to Washington’s more traditional musical numbers.

His performance focuses on the mentorship aspect of Washington's relationship with Alexander Hamilton, particularly during the Revolutionary War period, as explored in songs like "Stay Alive" and "Guns and Ships."

A Global Roster of Commanding Talent

The success of Hamilton has led to multiple concurrent productions, each featuring an actor who must shoulder the immense dramatic weight of the role. These performers are crucial to the show’s global topical authority.

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• Isaiah Johnson: A notable successor to Christopher Jackson, Johnson has played the role on Broadway and was a key player in the Angelica Tour, one of the show's highly successful US National Tours. His interpretation is known for its intense emotionality and powerful stage presence.
• Waylon Jacobs: Jacobs has played the role in the London West End production. The West End cast is a major component of Hamilton's international success, and Jacobs' performance has been critically acclaimed for its blend of military authority and paternal warmth.
• Andrew Wojtal: Wojtal was a member of the First National Tour cast, often credited as an alternate or understudy for the role, demonstrating the depth of talent required to maintain the show's demanding schedule.
• Other Noteworthy Performers: Other actors who have played the role across various productions include Donald Webber, Jr. and Nicholas Christopher, each bringing a unique vocal style and dramatic perspective to the Founding Father.

The Thematic Importance of George Washington in Hamilton

George Washington is more than just a historical figure in Hamilton; he is a central thematic pillar. Lin-Manuel Miranda uses the character to explore concepts of legacy, leadership, and the burden of history, making the role one of the most complex in the musical’s narrative structure.

Key Character Arcs and Songs

Washington’s journey is primarily one of a leader who must learn to delegate, trust, and ultimately, step away from power. His relationship with Alexander Hamilton is the engine of the first act, moving from a tentative alliance to a deep, paternal bond.

Key songs that define the George Washington character include:

• "Right Hand Man": This song establishes Washington's need for a trusted aide and introduces the dynamic between the General and the young, ambitious Hamilton. The song is a powerful blend of military strategy and hip-hop swagger.
• "History Has Its Eyes On You": A moment of profound mentorship and philosophical reflection. Washington imparts the weight of their actions—that the world is watching—to Hamilton just before the Battle of Yorktown.
• "One Last Time": This is Washington's emotional and political climax. It is the moment he chooses to step down after two terms, setting a precedent for American democracy and cementing his legacy as a selfless leader. The song is a powerful contrast to the ambition of the other characters.
• "Non-Stop": Washington is a key voice in the Act I finale, demonstrating the relentless pace of nation-building and the pressure on the Founding Fathers.

The actors who play Washington must master a demanding vocal range, shifting between the intense rap-infused delivery of "Right Hand Man" and the soaring, emotional balladry of "One Last Time." The diversity of the actors who have played the role—including Christopher Jackson, Tamar Greene, and Isaiah Johnson—reflects the show's commitment to color-conscious casting, which enriches the historical narrative by allowing a diverse group of performers to embody the American story.

In conclusion, while Christopher Jackson is the George Washington immortalized in the Disney+ production and the Original Broadway Cast recording, the role is currently held on Broadway by the talented Tamar Greene. Across the world, actors like Waylon Jacobs continue to lead the charge, ensuring that the story of the nation's first President remains a powerful, relevant, and unforgettable experience for every audience.