Upworthy's book GOOD PEOPLE, now available - take a look!

Shop
 Explore 

lin-manuel miranda

Joy

A wholesome handful of Lin-Manuel Miranda tweets that are literal rays of sunshine

His joy is infectious across all mediums, it seems.

Image by Gate Skidmore/Wikemedia Commons.

Lin-Manuel Miranda at the San Diego Comic Con, 2019.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a ray of light in a world that can sometimes (OK, often) feel like it's shrouded in darkness.

The award-winning multi-hyphenate — He sings! He acts! He writes! He directs! He inspires you to do better while reminding you that you're good enough! — is always there to wish you a good morning and a good night.

Miranda uses his tweets to share inspiration, kindness, and encouragement to the masses.

If you haven't heard of the person, let me introduce you to some good vibes and positive mojo.

It's nice to wake up to a message designed to help you feel better. He encourages us to put aside those unproductive thoughts and get into a good day.

Having a restless night? Miranda will inspire you to dream big as you sleep — and then turn those dreams into reality upon waking.

He always wants you to be yourself.

And to be kind to yourself.

He helps us remember to recognize that anxiety, sadness, and difficult feelings are normal and valid.

He reminds us to work hard, never give up, and recognize how far we've come.

He knows the value of taking a break to enjoy life ...

... investing time in others ...

... and supporting causes that matter.

He recognizes that life can be fleeting ...

... and that the world is full of possibilities!

Remember that no matter how it feels, you're never ever alone.

You are loved. You matter.

You know what? Sometime you just need to hear that.

And if you need to hear it on a daily basis (probably! I do!), you're going to want to follow Lin-Manuel Miranda on Twitter. It'll make your morning, post-lunch slump, and night.

This article originally appeared on 06.08.18

From Your Site Articles

pop culture

Movies

We thought Encanto's 'We Don't Talk about Bruno' couldn't get any better. We were wrong.

DisneyMusicVEVO/YouTube

Encanto's "We Don't Talk About Bruno" in 21 languages is magical.

If you didn't spend all of January 2022 singing "We Don't Talk About Bruno" to yourself several times a day, what were you even doing?

People who have watched Disney's "Encanto" and become enchanted with the songs—which is hard not to do when Lin-Manuel Miranda is involved—have joked about what an earworm "We Don't Talk About Bruno" is. But it's not a joke. That song gets in your head and takes over everything. Only unlike many earwormy songs, you end up not minding too much because it's such a good song. It's not No. 1 on the Billboard Chart—both domestically and globally—for no reason.

(Hot tip: When "Bruno" inevitably gets stuck in your head, it's best just to lean into it. Turn it on and turn it up. Sing it out loud and dance around the house. Get your family to join in. Fighting it is futile.)

My family really didn't think "We Don't Talk About Bruno" could get any better. We'd seen some remixes and mash-ups, but nothing made the original any better—until now.

Last month, Disney released a version of the song that seamlessly incorporates 21 different languages. Disney movies are beloved around the world and their popular films get dubbed into various languages. It's a formidable task, trying to match up the voices and timing and meaning as closely as possible to the original while still sounding good in different languages. As with all things Disney, the standards of quality are high, which becomes apparent when you see how well it works to put these languages together.

For those who haven't heard it (First of all, how? Secondly, why?) the song is sung by various members of the Madrigal family, whose individual magical gifts help them serve the village of Encanto. The gift of one family member, Bruno, was the ability to glimpse the future, which had caused some problems in the past when people misunderstood his predictions as actually causing those things to happen. He disappeared one day, leaving behind nothing but rumors about how he had made all kinds of terrible things happen, which is what this song illustrates.

Watch:

Amazing, right? It's mind-blowing how many languages there are in the world (this is just 21 of thousands) and that humans have so many ways of saying—or singing—the exact same thing. Many of us may have never even heard some of these languages spoken before. And some of them sound a bit different when they are sung versus being spoken. So fun to listen to.

The video has been viewed more than 27 million times. And now Disney has released a version of another "Encanto" favorite "Surface Pressure" in 27 languages. And yes, it's just as impressive.

"Surface Pressure" is the theme song for Luisa, the Madrigal family member whose gift of strength is constantly being called upon by the family and community. She sings about how much pressure she feels beneath the surface to always be strong, never breaking no matter what. Her song has resonated with people everywhere who suffer from expectations of perfection and being able to handle it all, either from themselves or others.

It's an internal reality people in various cultures face, so hearing it sung in more than two dozen languages truly feels right.

Well done, Disney. Just when we think you've achieved unmatched greatness yet again, you turn around and make it even better.

From Your Site Articles

This teacher's been trying to get 'Hamilton' tickets for years. Then his students stepped up.

Even Lin-Manuel Miranda got a little choked up over it.

Hanna Downs on Twitter

If you've been living anywhere but under a rock with no TV or internet access for the past several years (if that's you: hello! Welcome to the internet!), then you know that "Hamilton," a diversely-cast musical about the founding fathers and all the dueling they did, is a pop culture sensation the likes of which you only experience once or twice a generation.

And that means everyone wants to see it. But until they turn this thing into a movie — soon, right? — tickets are hard to come by and expensive when they're available. If you want to be in the room where it happens, you're either going to have to shell out a lot of dough or win the lottery. Literally. The show offers a limited number of $10 tickets through a daily raffle.

Of course, some people can spend years trying to get show tickets. That was the case for Thomas Corby, a beloved history teacher at New Egypt High School in New Jersey. He'd been trying to get tickets to the show for years with no luck. Then his students stepped in.

As a way to say thank you to Mr. Corby for the impact he's had on them, his students pooled their money together to buy him tickets for the show. I'd call his reaction priceless, but it's actually probably 100% commensurate with how much these tickets cost.

I saw "Hamilton" a few years ago and when I was purchasing my program, the cashier asked me which part I "cried most during," instead of saying "hello." That's just the way this show affects people. Not expecting to answer such a loaded question after a three-hour musical spectacle, I muttered something and scuttled away before I could be interrogated further. Mr. Corby? I'm guessing he's going to have about an hour's worth of material to get through at the merch stand.

Even the show's creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda got a little choked up over it:

While the story is wonderful just because we all love seeing people be kind to each other, it's also an important reminder — even though it's summer — that good teachers can transform the worlds of the kids they're working with. And therefore it's important we protect them, their rights, and their ability to earn a living wage at all costs. OTHERWISE WHERE ARE WE GOING TO GET SUCH ADORABLE VIDEOS? (And also access to all the knowledge and wisdom they possess.)

From Your Site Articles

'It's OK to be scared' and 9 other messages we all probably need to hear right now.

If the news lately is getting you down, you're not alone.

From the Supreme Court to the refugee crisis to climate change, a lot of really big things are happening right now. These topics feel as though they're out of our control, making it easy for despair and apathy to settle in.

By now, we all know the drill: Vote, support organizations that share our values, and cultivate meaningful human relationships. Still, cynicism cuts through it all — or at least it can, if you let it.

But across social media, people are sharing powerful messages of hope and inspiration.

With the aforementioned assortment of anxieties affecting the world, let's take a look at some of these motivational messages.

1. Progress is a marathon, not a sprint.

Civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis (D-Georgia) called on people not to lose themselves in a "sea of despair" following disheartening news about the Supreme Court. If anyone would know about doing the right thing and overcoming challenges, it'd be Lewis.

2. It's OK to be scared, but remember that history is made up of scared people who changed the world anyway.

Writer John Paul Brammer offered an important reminder about fear and channeling it into progress.

3. Keep your eyes forward.

Hindsight is 20/20, and "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda relayed an important message about looking to the past for inspiration about your own progress, not to stay within it.

4. Take a deep breath and know that others stand with you.

Newscaster Dan Rather shared some poignant thoughts on his Facebook page, calling on people to "turn to your left and right and see the long lines of fellow citizens" who share your drive to create change.

5. It takes patience and impatience to create change in the world.

Let America Vote founder Jason Kander shared some words of wisdom from his time as Missouri's Secretary of State, touching on the importance of being impatient enough to resist complacency while still remaining patient enough to see your goals through to the end.

6. Hope is a choice we make — and so is despair.

Writers Ashley C. Ford and Steve Marmel simply reject the ideas of despair and hopelessness. You can, too.

7. Never stop fighting, even when the outcome looks certain.

Commentator and podcast host Erin Gloria Ryan offered a word of caution to people claiming the Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade case is in imminent danger, sharing a bit of history from 1992.

It's entirely possible that a more conservative court will move to overturn the ruling, but we shouldn't give up hope just yet.

8. If you lose hope, you lose. That's what your adversaries want.

Writer Alex Steffen reminds people that giving up on hope is the first step towards giving up altogether. "Embrace defiant optimism," he wrote.

9. Don't dismiss the whole as the result of a few. Small acts of good add up over time.

Author Celeste Ng asked her Twitter followers to promote inclusivity whenever possible. You may not win everyone over, but you'll surely find success with some.

10. The world sometimes takes two steps forward and one step back. If we stay focused, we can step forward once again.

Brittany Packnett believes people should look to the past — just not our own. "I come from people not meant to survive," she wrote.

As individuals, we might not be able to change much.

But as a unified force, we can make all the difference in the world.

From Your Site Articles

Dan Rather, 88, says we are in 'a moment of reckoning unlike any I have seen in my lifetime' - Upworthy ›

"Hamilton's" Lin-Manuel Miranda is very excited about opening night of his musical in Los Angeles.

There's a reason, however, why this opening night — even more than the ones in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco — truly is "the big magillah," he said.

The Broadway star on Aug. 16 is raffling off a totally VIP experience for lucky fans who've expressed support for immigrants and refugees online.

As Miranda explained in the video above, you can win two tickets to the L.A. opening of "Hamilton" — as well as airfare, hotel stay, and access to a star-studded after-party — if you:

Donate $10 toward the Immigrants: We Get the Job Done Coalition, a group created by the Hispanic Federation that helps unify efforts from various organizations fighting for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the U.S.
Create a video of yourself singing a song (or part of a song) from "Hamilton." In the video, challenge at least one friend to do the same.
Post the video online using the #Ham4All hashtag.

In the hours following Miranda's ask, the internet began to flood with fans pining for their shot to win. Among them were quite a few big names, too.

Eva Longoria blasted out the lyrics to "Alexander Hamilton."

Ben Stiller and his daughter, Ella, went all in on "Non-Stop."

Shonda Rhimes basically proved she should be in the actual cast of "Hamilton," honestly.

Kelly Clarkson gave us a taste of "It's Quiet Uptown" (and left us wanting more!).

NBA champ Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha Curry, brought their rap A-game.

The Harlem Globetrotters made clear they're also not "throwing away their shot."

Matt McGorry's King of England was downright breathtaking.

As was Justin Baldoni's.

Gina Rodriguez used some backup vocals for an assist, and it came out beautifully.

And Sara Ramirez flaunted a nice set of pipes you don't normally hear on "Grey's Anatomy."

Celeb videos and Broadway tickets aside, the Immigrants: We Get the Job Done Coalition is a remarkable effort you should definitely support.

Uniting goals from "an all-star Avengers team of 12 organizations" (as Miranda described it), the coalition helps immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the U.S. by providing legal representation, fighting for changes in public policy, launching awareness campaigns to change hearts and minds, and more. These services truly are critical — especially under the threats of the current administration.

Donate $10 (or more!) at prizeo.com/hamilton, make a video using the #Ham4All hashtag, learn more about the coalition, and check out Miranda's newly released music video, "The Hamilton Mixtape: Immigrants (We Get The Job Done)," below.

We have a small favor to ask of you

lin-manuel miranda

His joy is infectious across all mediums, it seems.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a ray of light in a world that can sometimes (OK, often) feel like it's shrouded in darkness.

Miranda uses his tweets to share inspiration, kindness, and encouragement to the masses.

It's nice to wake up to a message designed to help you feel better. He encourages us to put aside those unproductive thoughts and get into a good day.

Having a restless night? Miranda will inspire you to dream big as you sleep — and then turn those dreams into reality upon waking.

He always wants you to be yourself.

And to be kind to yourself.

He helps us remember to recognize that anxiety, sadness, and difficult feelings are normal and valid.

He reminds us to work hard, never give up, and recognize how far we've come.

He knows the value of taking a break to enjoy life ...

... investing time in others ...

... and supporting causes that matter.

He recognizes that life can be fleeting ...

... and that the world is full of possibilities!

Remember that no matter how it feels, you're never ever alone.

You are loved. You matter.

Even Lin-Manuel Miranda got a little choked up over it.

But across social media, people are sharing powerful messages of hope and inspiration.

1. Progress is a marathon, not a sprint.

2. It's OK to be scared, but remember that history is made up of scared people who changed the world anyway.

3. Keep your eyes forward.

4. Take a deep breath and know that others stand with you.

5. It takes patience and impatience to create change in the world.

6. Hope is a choice we make — and so is despair.

7. Never stop fighting, even when the outcome looks certain.

8. If you lose hope, you lose. That's what your adversaries want.

9. Don't dismiss the whole as the result of a few. Small acts of good add up over time.

10. The world sometimes takes two steps forward and one step back. If we stay focused, we can step forward once again.

"Hamilton's" Lin-Manuel Miranda is very excited about opening night of his musical in Los Angeles.

Eva Longoria blasted out the lyrics to "Alexander Hamilton."

Ben Stiller and his daughter, Ella, went all in on "Non-Stop."

Shonda Rhimes basically proved she should be in the actual cast of "Hamilton," honestly.

Kelly Clarkson gave us a taste of "It's Quiet Uptown" (and left us wanting more!).

NBA champ Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha Curry, brought their rap A-game.

The Harlem Globetrotters made clear they're also not "throwing away their shot."

Matt McGorry's King of England was downright breathtaking.

As was Justin Baldoni's.

Gina Rodriguez used some backup vocals for an assist, and it came out beautifully.

And Sara Ramirez flaunted a nice set of pipes you don't normally hear on "Grey's Anatomy."

Celeb videos and Broadway tickets aside, the Immigrants: We Get the Job Done Coalition is a remarkable effort you should definitely support.