Julie Groff is a physical instructor at the Conestoga Valley School District. Jonathan's parents are Julie and Jim Groff. He mentioned that his company plans to expand the West Coast business and keep up in Nevada. For his portrayal in the Disney+ live stage recording of Hamilton, he was selected for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Anthology Series or Movie in 2021. Wedding Details With Chelsy Davy Explored! His ancestry can be traced to both Germany and Switzerland. In 2007, Groff was considered for both the Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for his part and performance in the musical. Jonathan Drew Groff was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Jonathan Drew Groff's mother, Julie (ne Witmer), was a physical education teacher, and his father, Jim Groff, was a harness horse trainer. So it was, like, a mixed - it was a mixed reaction. Jonathan Groff and David Groff grew up in Lancaster. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. "I thought, 'Holy cow, I hope they like him as much as we like him. Jonathan Drew Groff was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Jonathan got interested in art at a very tender age. David is President at Webstaurant Store from past 13 years ( Source : linkedin ). Noah Felty and his sister Bailey, who performed ballet as a Munchin in the Lullaby League pose with Jonathan Groff after the Hempfield High School performance of "The Wizard of Oz" on Saturday night. "She is not afraid to share her opinions of my work, good or bad. Groff made his debut in Ang Lee's Taking Woodstock in 2009 and appeared as Jesse St. James on the Fox musical-comedy series Glee from 2009 to 2015. Make sure that you always follow your heart and your gut, and let yourself be who you want to be, and who you know you are. Jonathan has, in an interview, revealed that he got melanoma on his chest in his 20s. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter "We were so nave," Julie Groff recalls. Make sure that you always follow your heart and your gut, and let yourself be who you want to be, and who you know you are. Jonathan Groff. He was born on March 26, 1986, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Groff visited Smoketown Elementary School, where he once attended, to speak to second graders on Feb. 25, according to a Facebook post by the Conestoga Valley School District. STORY: Jonathan Groff on Going From 'Glee' to Starz's 'Boss' The comedy hails from Condon and David Marshall Grant (Brothers and Sisters), with Lannan (Remember Me) onboard to pen the . David mentioned that his company is involved in international shipping in his statement. He is living a lavish lifestyle from his earnings. The acclaim led to a regular role on the long-running soap opera "One Life to Live" (ABC 1968-2013). Jonathan and his elder brother were raised in the town Ronks; his mother worked at school and his father was a harness horse trainer. Watch the video embedded in that article here and see a photo of Groff as Dorothy. I've never seen his penis," Michele clarified. Known for his performances on screen, stage and television, Groff is the recipient of such accolades as a Grammy Award and has been nominated for two Tony Awards, two Drama League Awards, a Drama Desk Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. In Napa, California, they tied the knot where Groff stood as Michele's "man of honor" (via Vanity Fair ). In the same year, he was romantically linked to actor Gavin Creel. She has strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and is able to communicate effectively with others. Jonathan Drew Groffs mother, Julie (ne Witmer), was a physical education teacher, and his father, Jim Groff, was a harness horse trainer. And don't let anyone steal your joy. Known for his performances on screen, stage and television, Groff is the recipient of such accolades as a Grammy Award and has been nominated for two Tony Awards, two Drama League Awards, a Drama Desk Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. Julie Groff can't read a note of music. He was also diagnosed with melanoma in his early 20s. He began a relationship with choreographer Corey Baker in early 2018. Bill Payne and Billie Jean Hayworth murders: What really happened? The 35-year-old plays King George III in the musical and has three solos in You'll Be Back, What Comes Next and I Know Him-among the funniest moments of the show. Jonathan Groff, sometimes known as Jonathan Drew Groff, is a musician and actor based in the United States. Contents 1 Personal life Groff chose to follow a career as an actor in New York City. I love the cultural and class difference between Richie and Patrick. "I've never seen Jonathan naked. Maybe you're meant to be a producer. Twelve Thirty (2010), Birthday: Hempfield High School senior Noah Felty, who played the role of the Scarecrow, got a chance to talk to Groff after the performance. But performing was her son's dream, so she resisted the temptation to drive him back to their home near Strasburg. How do winnings of 'Jeopardy!' Jonathan Drew Groff is an American actor and singer. He impressed audiences on the big screen, on stage, and on TV, and he was rewarded with a prestigious Grammy Award. It's not easy to let a child do this, she says. Maybe you're meant to be a teacher. At Clark Associates, he held the position of Vice President of Distribution for many years. Gained a 5 inch scar on his biceps while shooting, Groff, along with other openly gay actors (including. Indeed, he knows how to have a great time with his friends and family. But what about his personal life? Groff, who plays King George in Hamilton, was raised as a Methodist, although his father is a Mennonite. "I felt so much safer with him every night [in the play] and I couldn't have done it if it wasn't for Jonathan. He was in a relationship with the actor ''Zachary Quinto'' from 2010 to 2013. Height of Groff is 5 ft and 11 inches or 180 cm whereas, his weight is about 70 kg or 154 lbs. On April 22, 2007, due to the ''Virginia Tech Shooting'' Groff storyline about a school shooting was cut so that, he could only appear in eleven episodes. Groff had celebrated his 35th birthday until now. Jonathan Drew Groff is an American actor and singer. Ryan Goodell bio: wife, net worth, parents, career, Nikki DeLoach relationship. It was really great for the kids, say Smith. (2011). Allen Covert bio: net worth, wife, movies, life story, what happened, READ ALSO: Paul Pogba: descent, parents, wife, height, net worth, houses, cars. He is of German, Swiss-German, English, and Scottish ancestry. Up to the date, his health is fine and wishes it will remain in the future too. After completing his high school education at Conestoga Valley High School, he accepted an invitation to participate in a nationwide tour of the musical The Sound of Music.. Ronisha Karki Jonathan Drew Groff, born March 26, 1985, is an actor and singer. As James made his way through one round after another on "The Voice," it became increasingly nerve-wracking, his mother says. So, who is Jonathan Groff husband? Groff is of German ancestry. [on working with Andrew Haigh] He has a very specific way of creating naturalism on set - he's not precious about the writing of scenes. Jonathan and his sibling David were born to parents Jim Groff and Julie Groff. The year 2006 marked the beginning of his rise to popularity as a result of his performance as Melchior Gabor in the movie titled Spring Awakening. He gained this notoriety for his role in the production. "I love being pregnant, it's so much fun," Michelle said, to which Groff responded, "Good to know. Jonathan Groff as a child Click here to learn more about the role the Lancaster County Local Journalism Fund plays in Lancaster County and to make a tax-deductible donation. He grew up alongside his older brother David. Additionally, he has sung for the film Lost in the Woods. (It received a British Academy Film Award nomination on Wednesday.) It took James Wolpert some time to figure out what his passion was, his mother says. And he's starring in a new HBO series, "Looking," which premieres Jan. 19. Jonathan Groff poses for a photo with the four leads of Hempfield High School's production of "The Wizard of Oz." According to his mother, Julie, he was solely there for less than 24 hours on Thanksgiving. However, he decided to postpone his enrollment for one year after being offered the role of Rolf in a Non-Equity national tour production of The Sound of Music. Jonathan Groff has received Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations for his work on #MerrilyNYTW . Theatre Works'' in March 2013 which performances were recorded for broadcast on radio. Additionally, Groff played the role, Melchior Gabor, in the Broadway production Spring Awakening on its debut on December 10, 2006. When interviewing Michele for a Teen Vogue cover story in 2014, Groff revealed how he and his best friend had shared "some pretty unique experiences" since they met. Success! #5, 02/15/2015, HBOMR, Looking, from left: O T Fagbenle, Frankie Alvarez, Jonathan Groff, Raul Castillo, 'Looking in the Mirror', Season 1, Ep. Based upon a controversial German play that explored themes of homosexuality, rape, abortion, child abuse and suicide, it went on to win eight Tony Awards, with the Best Leading Actor going to Groff. His Broadway performance of ''King George III'' in ''Hamilton'' has been featured in the film production on Disney+ as of July 3rd, 2020. His father was a horse trainer while his mother was a physical education trainer. Similarly, he started in the musical comedy-drama ''Glee''. He had left Carnegie Mellon University to devote himself to music, and he'd quit his job at an Apple Store in Pittsburgh to compete on "The Voice." #1, 01/19/2014, HBO, Spring Awakening: Those You've Known (2022). It's a residence for him to reside in when he returns home, but Groff has dreams for it. His next movie brought him to an entirely new fanbase: the animated musical "Frozen" (2013), in which he played the male lead of Kristoff, was an enormous hit that inspired a fanatically devoted young audience. In the same year, Jonathan took part in another great Broadway production titled In My Life. List Of NFL Fines And Most Penalized Team, Female Players In NFL And American Football, Thurman Thomas Kids With Wife Patti Makes A Beautiful Family. Jim is of German ancestry. Jonathan is a singer and actor from the United States. He is most recognized for his performance in the Broadway production of 'Spring Awakening,' a rock musical. As someone who is out in the open as being gay, he was drawn into a debate that was started by an article written by Ramin Setoodeh for Newsweek that stated that gay actors were incapable of credibly portraying straight characters. Lea Michele Had Feelings for Jonathan Groff Before He Identified as Gay: 'Why Can't You Love Me?' The former Spring Awakening costars look back at their 15-year friendship in the upcoming HBO. The birth nation of Jonathan is Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S, and his nationality is American. Groff had yet to come out as gay at that point in time. ", Jonathan Groff says his mom keeps him very grounded. Similarly, Groff was honored by ''Equality Pennsylvania'' with the ''Bayard Rustin'' Award, which recognizes a Pennsylvanian who is continuing the work to ensure that the LGBT community will be visible, accepted and celebrated in our society in December 2015. Hempfield High School students on stage during Hempfield HIgh School's performance of "The Wizard of Oz" on Saturday night. He added that his organization intends to grow their customer base on the West Coast while maintaining their presence in Nevada. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news! The approaching spring brings with it glimpses of warmer weather, along with the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions in many indoor venues. ", He says he's seen plenty of stage parents in action. Jonathan has also done endorsement work for numerous brands like GLAAD. Jonathan had to stand in line with hundreds of other candidates, and Julie stayed with her son the entire freezing January day. The mother-son combo attended the Tony Awards together. The birth nation of Jonathan is Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S, and his nationality is American. She let my brother and me be whoever we wanted to be with no judgment. I think that if you do that, life will take you on the course that it's meant to take you. Always. He has spoken about coming out at age 23, and since then, he was a. During the M&M Mars Executive Lecture Series hosted by The Business Department at Elizabethtown College on September 19, 2014, Groff presented Building an E-Commerce Strategy Around Millenials. David graduated from Penn State University with the degree in Business Logistics in 2004. It was not just because of what their roles entailed, but the instant connection they felt between them. He has an older brother, David. Little Shop of Horrors. the Terms and Policies, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. Lancaster County native Jonathan Groff talks about his career after a Wednesday, Dec. 4, performance as Seymour in the off-Broadway "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Westside Theatre in New York.. Jonathan Groff got his start putting on plays with his older brother, David, and their friends in a barn at the family's horse farm. Whether he was playing Robin Hood or Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz," he says his mother "would find us costumes and props and just let the camera roll. He is known for playing the best role on popular television and web series like ''Mid-hunter''. For playing a role in a big screen like TV and in web series. DHL is used by the business to send its wares to customers in Canada, the Caribbean, and worldwide. ", Jonathan Groff would go on to receive a Tony Award nomination for his lead role in the Broadway rock musical "Spring Awakening." He attended from ''Conestoga Valley High School'' and graduated from there in 2003. Most of his time, therefore, was spent behind the scenes where had the great privilege of meeting celebrity fans of the show from all walks of life such as. Error! And that is how his career began, performing at different events. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story: Season 1, Link to Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Link to Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage, Link to RT25: Celebrating 25 Years of Rotten Tomatoes, Looking, Raul Castillo (L), Jonathan Groff (R), 'Looking for Home', Season 2, Ep. On 10th December 2006, he played his role from '' Spring Awakening'' in which Groff was given the role of Melchior Gabor but before that he played the role in the original ''Off-Broadway'' production earlier in the summer of 2006. Then, he planned to get admission to ''Carnegie Mellon University'' but he postponed it for a year when he got a role in a musical film. Davids role in the company is to ensure and maintain the companys continued development while also ensuring that it has the processes, people, and resources necessary to realize its full growth potential. ", She played the clarinet when she was younger, but says James inherited his musical talent from his paternal grandfather, George Wolpert, who sang with an orchestra. Read on to know about his full biography, personal life, sexual orientation, career, awards, birthday, age, facts, wiki, height, shows, and more. Groff fell in love with Julie Andrews performance as Mary Poppins when he was three years old. Jonathan Groff has been cast in a film being written and directed by another famous Pennsylv, Theres somewhat of a running joke, bordering on established fact, that Wes Anderson always , Note: This article was published Aug. 17, 2021. "He was there for so long, and after the show he was there for a really long time maybe longer than I was. About his salary information, it is unknown till now. In 2004, David earned a degree in Business Logistics from Penn State University. She's been to California and back so many times in the past few weeks that it would make your head spin. Known for his performances on screen, stage and television, Groff is the recipient of such accolades as a Grammy Award and has been nominated for two Tony Awards, two Drama League Awards, a Drama Desk Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. The two acted in Ephrata Performing Arts Center musicals such as Bat Boy: The Musical and were roommates in New York City. He played as Claude in the ''Shakespeare'' in the Park production of hair from 22nd July through August 31, 2008, and also appeared as Michael Lang in ''Ang Lee's'' comedy-drama film Taking Woodstock. "I also have a safety net below me if I fall or if it's too much, my friends and family will be there to catch me. This religious perspective massively influenced his everyday life, grasping values that have had an outstanding contribution to his character today. In 2006, Michele and Groff co-starred in the broadway show "Spring Awakening." #7, 03/01/2015, HBO, Looking, Murray Bartlett (L), Lauren Weedman (C), Jonathan Groff (R), 'Looking for a Plot', Season 2, Ep. Jonathan Groff Daily Retweeted. Jonathan Groff is an American actor and singer, best known for his role in the 'Broadway' production of the rock musical 'Spring Awakening.' After graduating from 'Conestoga Valley High School,' he took up the offer to join the national tour of the musical 'The Sound of Music.' This decision changed the course of his life. Jonathan Groffs net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of the year 2023. #10, 03/22/2015, HBO, TAKING WOODSTOCK, Jonathan Groff (left), Eugene Levy (center), 2009. ph: Ken Regan/Focus Features, Glee, Jonathan Groff, 'Journey', Season 1, Ep. He joined the cast of the musical Hamilton, replacing Brian d'Arcy James in the role of King George III on 3rd March 2015. Don't let the world define you. In Napa, California, they tied the knot where Groff stood as Michele's "man of honor" (via Vanity Fair). "There's just something about knowing he's watching everything I'm doing and feeling like I have to do everything now not just for me but for him." Jim is a Mennonite, and his paternal grandfather was a Mennonite pastor. David, his older brother, is his oldest sibling. This is intense." . Jonathan graduated from Conestoga Valley High School in 2003 and proceeded to college. "What makes my mom the best kind of 'stage parent' is that she has never lived vicariously through my successes, but has just always encouraged me to follow my passion and helped me along the way without ever losing her own sense of who she is.". The birthname of Jonathan Groff is ''Jonathan Drew Groff''. His notable appearances, more so on his Broadway debut in 2006 in the production, Spring Awakening elevated his stature in the entertainment sphere. Noah Felty (Scarecrow), Geoffrey Martin(Tin Man), Johnathan Groff, Ashley Gage (Dorothy), Hunter Smith (Lion). Groff made his acting debut in the Joseph Brooks musical In My Life, playing a swing and dance captain in the production. Nadji Jeter: girlfriend, family, nationality, awards, movies and TV shows. It's Me, Margaret. Jonathan has made a huge fortune out of his acting and singing abilities. 20 funny blonde actresses in Hollywood to watch in 2021, Relief at First Republic sale, but US banks still face pressure, Rigathi Gachagua Asks Atwoli to Host Raila for Drinks, Lingala to Implore Him Accept Poll Outcome, Young Girl Leaves School to Bury Mum Who Died in Road Accident Day Before Her Final Exams, Miley Cyrus Mom, Tish Cyrus Engaged to Prison Break Star Dominic Purcell: A Thousand Times Yes", Kenyan Newspapers Review for May 1: Detectives Claim They Have Watertight Case against Paul Mackenzie, Ezekiel, Performance at the Ephrata Performing Arts Centre as Edgar in, Thomas Sanders sexuality, net worth, background, songs, Abuller Ahmed: 5 fast facts about the TV presenter, LilyPichu real name, age, ethnicity, brother, surgery, background. Groff is a first cousin of singer James Wolpert, a semifinalist on the fifth season of The Voice. champ Matt Amodio affect Brad Rutter's ranking? The same qualities associated with stage parents - controlling, smothering, interfering - she's seen in parents on the sidelines of sporting events. In 13th July 2015, Groff reprised the role in the Broadway production, which started performances. By When asked whether he had baby fever during the same interview, Michele offered to be his surrogate when the time came. Both of his parents were sports in their youth, but they never forced their children to follow any exact profession. On September 19, 2014, Groff discussed Building an E-Commerce Strategy Around Millenials during the M&M Mars Executive Lecture Series for The Business Department at Elizabethtown College. Of course, like many relationships on the show, it had its ups and downs. Neither is her sister, Margie Wolpert, mother of singer James Wolpert, who recently garnered fame on NBC's "The Voice.". Are you wondering about Jonathan Groff wife? It was really cool to know that somebody at that level was interested in my process and my performance. "He asked me what it was like to get into the Scarecrows physicality," Noah Felty says. "As excited as she was for everyone to see me in the play, she took just as much pride in buying snacks, planning games, and even printing out brochures for the people on the bus," he says, noting, "She always manages to find some fun for herself. In the Broadway production of Spring Awakening that ran from 2006 to 2008, he created the character of Melchior Gabor and it was there that he first met the person who would go on to become his best friend, Lea Michele. We don't know how he likes to celebrate, but we imagine he's ready to. Everything you need to know. She's seen parents who live vicariously through their children. Once Michele confronted Groff about why he didn't love her, she knew. [1] Groff was raised in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Jonathan Groff biography Groff was born March 26, 1985, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US. Surely his income will be increased in the coming year. I was just grateful for him to come.". Once the tour ended, Jonathan moved to New York City. Julie took Groff to New York City to audition for a touring version of "The Sound of Music.". Jonathan and Molina reprised their roles for six more performances of the play, this time in the ''L.A. "He's been through more ups and downs with me than anyone else. He has also been victorious in a number of award competitions, in addition to being nominated for a large number of prizes. He's very laid backHe would encourage improv into the scene - cut that one line that didn't sound right, and improv at the end - and it ends up becoming really in the moment, which is really exciting and taught me a lot as an actor. The company ships its product to Canada, the Caribbean, and overseas using DHL and ships to Europe, Australia, and Singapore. Margie Wolpert is Julie's sister. An American actor, as well as singer Groff, was born on 26th March 1985. Groff was again cast in the same role for the Off-Broadway production that took place in the spring and early summer of 2006. Lia Thomas: Before Hormone Therapy, She Almost Quitting Sport, Controversy, Bio, Wiki, Career and More, Bobby Green: Prison Experience, Podcast, Eyelid Tattoo, Bio, Career, Instagram and More, Tom Brady: New Girlfriend, Split Up, New Watch, Dating Rumor, Bio, Career and More, Steve Shanks: Wife, Children, Family, Married Life, Death Explained, Tribute and More, Christian Ehrhoff: Journey in the NHL and Comeback to Professional Hockey, Bio, At Mountains and More, Conestoga Valley High School, Pennsylvania, United States. Even with numerous productions, it only takes one impressive piece, a fan-magnet, to elevate one's stature. . However, upon receiving an invitation to cast as Rolf in a Non-Equity national tour of The Sound of Music, he deferred his studies. His upcoming movie is ''The Matrix 4''which will be released in 2021. Jonathan Groff was born on March 26, 1985. In other news, Groff has been cast in the upcoming M. Night Shyamalan film Knock at the Cabin which is slated to premiere Feb. 3, 2023. Featuring tips & tricks, to-do lists, local events and more. There was an error processing your request. As a part of the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park, he performed in The Bacchae as Dionysus in 2009. Spring Awakening: Those You've Known (2022), Lowest Rated: In the world of acting, and I think in any profession really, people are really eager to put you in a box and categorize you as one particular thing. As has been the case throughout their friendship, Michele has shared dozens of photos of Groff undertaking uncle duties, and it seems that while Groff doesn't have the best track record with children he's a little too enthusiastic, which "freaks them out" his role as King George III in "Hamilton" already has Ever in his good books. She found what her boys were good at, and she supported it. 100% Jonathan Groff is an American actor. The birthname of Jonathan Groff is ''Jonathan Drew Groff''. They raised him in the farming community of Ronks, Pennsylvania together with his elder brother, David. And don't let anyone steal your joy. Link to Are You There God? This preference changed the track of his life. Both Jonathan and David Groff spent their childhoods in the city of Lancaster. He'd been passed over for a lead in the school musical that year. "And if you find something you really love doing focus everything on that and just go for it, and that was really cool to hear from him, as well.". Jonathan purchased one of those houses. We stayed in contact through the years and he wanted to come support the show, says Smith, who has worked in Hempfield's performing arts department for 25 years. Jonathan Groff height: 5ft 11 inches Weight: 154 lb Profession: Actor, singer, voice actor, screenwriter, and stage actor. He directed and acted in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Fulton Opera House when he was seventeen years old, winning a community award. In 2003, he graduated from Conestoga Valley High School and planned to attend Carnegie Mellon University. Support local journalism. Groff has worked in a variety of fields related to the fine arts, such as the theater, film, recording industry, and audiobook production. Jonathan was engaged in the performing arts and participated in many productions at the Fulton Opera House while still in high school. You will be amazed to learn that he started getting interested in music at a tender age by practising with music instruments. He appeared as Ian Todd in the second and final season of the ''Starz'' series ''Boss'' from August to October 2012. The net worth of Jonathan Groff is $3 million as of 2023. She says Jonathan's ability to sing came from her own father-in-law: the late J. #2, 01/18/2015, HBO, Looking, Frankie Alvarez (L), Jonathan Groff (R), 'Looking for Now', Season 1, Ep. "It just so happened that we met to do this show, but I feel like we would've met some way or another in life because we were meant to be in each other's lives," Michele told People. How much do you know about the theatre geek that made his Broadway debut fourteen years ago? "I think if anything it just gave us more energy to perform," he said. And he said they used to do what our cast is doing this year, where theyd go to all the local shows and support the local schools that way. "He's my best friend in the entire world in fact, it's fair to say that I didn't understand the concept until I met him," Michele wrote in her autobiography (via the Daily Mail). Required fields are marked *. There was an error processing your request. David, his older brother, is his oldest sibling. ", The Truth About Lea Michele's Relationship With Co-Star Jonathan Groff. Instead of dwelling on that disappointment, he was going to New York to see if he had a future as an actor and singer. Copyright Fandango. #6, 02/22/2015, HBO, Looking, from left: Russell Tovey, Frankie Alvarez, Jonathan Groff, Daniel Franzese, 'Looking Top to Bottom', Season 2, Ep. Groff is the first cousin once removed of singer James Wolpert, who competed on the fifth season . An outstanding actor and singer, Grammy winner Jonathan Groff is perhaps best known for his incredible stage performances. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Jonathan Groff got his start putting on plays with his older brother, David, and their friends in a barn at the family's horse farm. It was a little overwhelming, but he was happy to do it. "Those families, again," she imagined people groaning. Groff is the first cousin once removed of singer James Wolpert, who competed on the fifth season of The Voice and made it to the semifinals. ", Her friend Linda Tough, who was Jonathan's music teacher at Smoketown Elementary School, says, "Julie is really level-headed. #7, 03/01/2015, HBO, Looking, Jonathan Groff, 'Looking for Gordon Freeman', Season 2, Ep. Groff considers Sutton Foster to be one of his biggest influences and idols, and as a young aspiring actor, he would stay for her autograph at the stage door after her performances. David's part in the business is to secure and continue developing and have the methods and people to make that growth potential. In May 2004, he joined Webstaurant Store and has been working as President from last 18 years. Jim Groff was a horse trainer and a jockey.