Lin-Manuel Miranda has been blowing people away as the writer and original star of the hit musical Hamilton. But what’s less known about the actor is the fact that he has an adorably close relationship with his dad, Luis Antonio Miranda Jr. When his father’s birthday arrived this week, Miranda got on Twitter to share some of his favorite memories with him, and you might cry.
It started simply enough, with Manuel noting that his dad “Sleeps 4 hours a night” and “Hates mushrooms.” From there, he began to get more personal, explaining that his undying love of show tunes is actually something he shares with his dad. Like a lot of dads and their sons, Miranda’s and his father Luis—while very different people—have a striking amount in common.
64 years ago today, Luis Antonio Miranda Jr. was born in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. Obsessed w showtunes, politics and Debbie Reynolds. Sleeps 4 hours a night. Hates mushrooms.
This is my father and he is the weirdest, hardest working man in the world. Happy birthday Pa. I love you. pic.twitter.com/micNpRPyUI— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 23, 2018
For starters, there’s that love of music. Luis actually sold records as a youth in Puerto Rico. And while he may never have ended up on a Broadway stage, he passed his love of music onto his son, who went on to write the biggest musical since Les Miserables.
My father @Vegalteno went into business for himself at age 10, selling vinyl records out of a corner of my Abuelo's store. He'd buy them himself wholesale and sell them retail. That same corner is where @PlacitaDeGuisin now stands today.
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 23, 2018
As evidenced in Hamilton and his online presence, Miranda has never been afraid to talk openly and honestly about his political beliefs. He also has no problem letting someone know when he thinks they are wrong. Based on this story he shared, Miranda probably learned that attitude listening to his dad demolish politicians on the phone growing up.
I once heard my father @Vegalteno decimate an elected official over the phone: "You have no impulse control, your staff is as dysfunctional as you are, & THAT'S why you're gonna lose this f*cking election." The guy cried.
My dad hung up & said, "Done. Wanna go to McDonald's?"— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 23, 2018
And like any self-respecting dad, Luis loves to mispronounce words and phrases in ways that make sense to him.
At 17, father won a youth acting award in Puerto Rico for his portrayal of Rumpelstilskin.
He also calls Pret-a-Manger “the pret a manager.”— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 23, 2018
Miranda also shared that his dad loved playing pranks on his kids growing up, some of which may have traumatized them for life.
When I was a child, my father @Vegalteno used to lean over during animated movies, point at the main character, and say, "That one dies."
He was usually kidding, except during Bambi that one time ????— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 23, 2018
The tweet that takes the cake is a perfect example of how when confronted with the success of their kid, even the toughest dad can’t help but shed a proud tear.
My father @Vegalteno used to tell me, “Dont cry. We only cry when someone dies or you lose a body part.” I think this was because I was painfully sensitive and cried at everything.
Anyway,
I have made my father cry SO MANY F**KING TIMES WITH MY MUSICALS Y’ALL.— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 23, 2018
