Hamilton

Euan Morton as King George III in Hamilton

Tony-nominated actor Euan Morton performed as Hamilton King George in Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical from July 2017 to September 2023, becoming the longest-running performer in this role in Broadway history. He appeared in over 1,000 Hamilton performances at the Richard Rodgers Theatre during his six-year tenure.

Hamilton and the Role of King George

Hamilton tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through a score blending hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway styles. King George III serves as both antagonist and comic relief, representing the British monarchy from which the American colonies sought independence.

Though appearing in only three brief scenes, King George delivers some of the show's most memorable moments. His songs—styled as Beatles-esque pop numbers—stand in sharp contrast to the show's predominantly hip-hop score, highlighting the cultural divide between Britain and the emerging American nation.

Euan's Performance


Morton's portrayal of King George III balanced humor with hints of menace. Taking over the role in 2017, he brought vocal precision and subtle character choices that made the brief appearances particularly effective.

The King's Songs

King George performs three songs in Hamilton, each offering a different perspective on Britain's relationship with its former colonies:

"You'll Be Back"

A deceptively sweet love song that reveals itself as a threat, with the King promising that America will return to British rule. The upbeat melody contrasts with increasingly menacing lyrics, concluding with the memorable "da da da" section.

"What Comes Next?"

The King mockingly questions how the newly independent America will govern itself: "You're on your own... awesome, wow! Do you have a clue what happens now?" The song expresses his skepticism about American democracy.

"I Know Him"

Upon learning of Washington stepping down and Adams becoming president, the King expresses surprise at this peaceful transfer of power. With disdain for Adams ("That poor man, they're going to eat him alive!"), he still hopes the new nation might falter and return to British control.

Videos of Euan Morton as King George III in Hamilton

These videos offer a glimpse into Euan's interpretation of the role that made his King George so memorable to audiences.




Impact and Legacy

Morton's long run as King George established him as a significant part of Hamilton's Broadway history. For many audience members, his portrayal of the British monarch became one of the production's signature elements.

His success in this role demonstrates Morton's versatility as a performer. His King George showed his ability to create a memorable character with limited stage time, combining vocal excellence with precise comedic timing.

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