The Greatest Showman - Chapter 1276: Slam Odds

As of 2017, only twelve artists have achieved the ultimate recognition in the American arts: the EGOT. This term refers to the prestigious four major awards in the U.S.—the Emmy (television), Grammy (music), Oscar (film), and Tony (theater)—with EGOT standing for the initials of each. To win all four is considered an extraordinary feat, reflecting the highest level of achievement across television, music, film, and theater.

These awards, though American, span multiple disciplines and are the pinnacle of success in their respective industries. The rarity of achieving an EGOT Grand Slam only adds to its allure, with the list of winners being exceptionally exclusive. Notable figures include Richard Rodgers, Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno, Audrey Hepburn, and Mel Brooks. Most EGOT winners are composers, given the inclusion of the Grammy, though for actors, this achievement is often a challenge. Many top actors, like Meryl Streep, record audiobooks specifically to capture a Grammy, since they cannot rely solely on acting. Streep, for instance, has five Grammy nominations—four for audiobooks and one for the "Mamma Mia" soundtrack—but has yet to win.

Barbra Streisand, though often referred to as an EGOT winner, holds a special version of the Tony Award, as it was a non-competitive "Tony Special Award." Despite this, her achievement is still remarkable, as there are only seventeen such non-competitive EGOT winners.

The youngest EGOT winner is composer Robert Lopez, who, in 2013, completed the Grand Slam by securing an Oscar for Frozen, a Grammy for The Book of Mormon, an Emmy for Fantastic Pet, and a Tony for Avenue Q—all within just ten years, making him the quickest to reach this status at 38 years old. Before him, the fastest was Rita Moreno, who took sixteen years.

EGOTs are an extraordinary combination of talent, timing, and circumstances, and achieving this status is a rare and celebrated milestone in history. Renly Hall, however, is on track to potentially break this record by a large margin. If Renly wins a Tony Award in 2013, he will become the youngest EGOT winner in history, surpassing the age of 24. Remarkably, Renly could achieve this feat in just four years, beginning with his first Emmy win in 2009—a truly unprecedented accomplishment at the age of 23.

The mere possibility of Renly joining this rarefied club has ignited excitement across the industry, even before the official announcement of the Tony Award nominations. The Olivier Awards, typically held before the Tonys, are already fueling speculation about his potential for victory. Renly's performance in Les Misérables has solidified him as the clear frontrunner, making the announcement of his Tony Award prospects a global spectacle.

With nominations for Best Actor in a Musical, Renly faces competition from seasoned actors like Michael Ball, Tom Chambers, and Will Young. While all these actors are accomplished, Renly's performance has garnered rave reviews, with professional critics praising his exceptional talent and stage presence. He has already been declared the favorite for this year's Olivier Award, setting the stage for a history-making moment.

In the wake of the Olivier Awards, all eyes will turn to the Tony Awards, where Renly's chances of completing the EGOT could rise further. However, some may question if such early success is too much, too soon. Critics may argue that, at 23, Renly's experience is still limited, especially considering that Les Misérables marks his first starring role in a stage production. Historically, actors' careers in theater typically peak later, often around the age of 40, as the stage requires years of experience and maturation.

Despite these concerns, Renly's remarkable journey cannot be denied. The odds of him securing an EGOT Grand Slam before turning 24 may be slim, but the possibility is enough to send ripples of anticipation throughout the theater world. With the Tony Awards just around the corner, the question remains: Can Renly rise to the occasion, and could this be the moment when history is made?