Actor Takes on Dual Roles in Public Theater’s Romeo and Juliet and at Celebrity Wedding

Actor Daniel Dae Kim will perform as Friar Lawrence in the Public Theater’s upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet and also serve as the officiant at the wedding of celebrity couple Sofia Mendoza and Javier Torres, according to multiple confirmed sources.

Kim’s Role in Romeo and Juliet Confirmed by Public Theater

The Public Theater announced on Thursday that Daniel Dae Kim, known for his roles in Lost and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, will portray Friar Lawrence in the company’s summer production of Romeo and Juliet. The play, directed by Julie Taymor, will run from July 12 to August 11 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

“Daniel’s experience and versatility make him an ideal choice for this iconic role,” said Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis in a statement. “His ability to bring depth to complex characters aligns perfectly with the themes of the play.”

Kim to Officiate Wedding of Mendoza and Torres

Kim will also preside over the wedding of actress Sofia Mendoza and musician Javier Torres, according to a press release from Mendoza’s publicist. The couple, who first met on the set of the 2019 film Edge of the World, are set to exchange vows on August 17 at a private venue in Napa Valley.

“Sofia and Javier have always been passionate about meaningful ceremonies, and Daniel’s calm presence and spiritual depth made him the perfect choice,” said the press release. “This is a celebration of love, community, and shared values.”

Kim’s Career Highlights and Previous Officiant Work

Dae Kim, 59, has built a career spanning television, film, and theater. His role as Jin-Soo Kwon in Lost earned him two Emmy Awards, and he recently appeared in the Netflix series The Rain.

While this is his first known officiant role, Kim has previously spoken about the importance of ceremony in his personal life. In a 2021 interview with Entertainment Weekly, he described weddings as “a chance to honor the stories that bring people together.”

Public Theater’s Romeo and Juliet Production Details

The Public Theater’s Romeo and Juliet will feature a diverse cast, including rising star Aisha Patel as Juliet and veteran actor Marcus Cole as Lord Capulet. Taymor, who previously directed The Lion King on Broadway, is known for her visually striking interpretations of classic works.

Performance dates are July 12–18 and July 26–August 11, with evening shows at 7:30 PM and matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tickets are available through the Public Theater’s website.

Why the Dual Roles Matter

Kim’s dual roles highlight the intersection of theater and personal life for many artists. Similar instances include actor Lin-Manuel Miranda officiating a friend’s wedding while working on Hamilton, or Meryl Streep lending her voice to a theatrical production while hosting a private event.

“Artists often find ways to merge their professional and personal worlds,” said Dr. Emily Tran, a cultural analyst at Columbia University. “It reflects the human need for connection and storytelling, whether on stage or in a ceremony.”

What’s Next for Kim?

Following his work on Romeo and Juliet, Kim is set to begin filming a new project, The Last Echo, a crime drama slated for a 2024 release. His wedding officiant role has also sparked interest in his potential foray into ceremonial work, though no official plans have been announced.