Pets and the City | Dracula becomes the first dog officially thanked in a Tony acceptance speech

Dracula—“Drax”—is the beloved two-year-old Italian Greyhound of Tony Award–winning actor Jak Malone.

Three Sundays ago, in what’s typically a high-profile human affair, Dracula, a two-year-old Italian Greyhound, was formally thanked—by actor Jak Malone (Operation Mincemeat)—during his acceptance speech at the 78th Tony Awards.

“…and thank you to my little family, my beautiful partner, Jasmine, and my little dog, Dracula, who came out here to have this adventure with me. You are my whole heart, and I’d be lost without you, and I’m grateful every day.”

As I sat at Radio City Music Hall, I couldn’t help but wonder: Has a dog ever been thanked at the Tonys? Surely Annie’s dog Sandy has gotten a nod or two? A quick search revealed that in 2021, Mary-Louise Parker thanked her dog, Mrs. Roosevelt, during her Best Actress speech—but it was more of a passing joke. This, however, marked the first time a member of the canine species had been formally thanked in a Tony acceptance speech. (I know, dog lovers! Shocking!)

By the end of Malone’s speech (which was already deeply moving), I leapt to my feet. Sure, I was clapping for Malone, for Hester, for everyone behind Operation Mincemeat—but I was also clapping for, well… Dracula. His human had just won Broadway’s biggest treat. And Dracula got thanked! At the Tonys! In front of Oprah! For a species that evolved to love and support us, Dracula had clearly nailed the part.

Dracula the Italian Greyhound.

The following week, I met the Italian Greyhound and his Tony-winning human outside the John Golden Theatre on 45th Street.

“When I thanked him, I think people thought it was just a bit of fun,” Malone told me. “But I meant it sincerely. I really rely on him. He’s integral to my mental health.”

Dracula sat proudly in Malone’s arms.

“Acting is a weird job. Sometimes it’s hard, but mostly, it’s weird—all the time,” he said. “To have this little sweet guy waiting at home—who looks at me like he can’t believe I’m there—is actually really good energy. Just knowing that no matter how my day has gone, I’ll come home to cuddles.”

As Malone spoke about Dracula’s unconditional love and consistency, I couldn’t help but think about his own.

One of my favorite things about Broadway is how, no matter what kind of day I’ve had, I can buy a ticket and pile into the theater. And the actors will be there. The curtain rises, and there they are! There Malone is—with so much emotion and commitment. And he performs like it’s his first time, even though he was just here this afternoon, dressed as the same middle-aged female MI5 secretary, singing a gut-wrenching love song to a corpse—for a completely different set of humans.

Of course, Dracula’s “performances” do not involve any choreography, vocal talent, or the range it takes to play multiple characters in one night—but when the apartment door opens at the end of the day, he knows his cue.

Dracula shows off his teeth.Photo courtesy of Fern Watt

Dracula and Malone reminded me that showing up—consistently, and with love—for what you care about leads to great things.
In their case: Tonys!

Next, I scored a front-row seat to some of Dracula’s best tricks: a joyful spin, a top-notch “give me paw,” and—most impressively—cuddles. Drax could cuddle on cue, nestling his little greyhound head into Malone with a natural commitment to the role that can’t be taught.

I looked down at Dracula and knew there was only one thing left to do. Dracula’s fans gathered around him (and by fans, I mean Malone, Jasmine, and clearly now me).
Cue the camera.
Dracula, places.
(Dracula… we said places.)
Okay, action!

I reached into my bag and pulled out the squeaky toy trophy.

“And the Tony, for Outstanding Canine Support of the Best Featured Actor in a Musical…
goes to…”

DRACULA!!!!!