Sean Hayes to host Broadway's Tony Awards

Cast member Sean Hayes gestures at the premiere of ''The Bucket List'' at the Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles December 16, 2007.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Actor Sean Hayes, widely recognized for his award-winning role in the television series "Will & Grace," will host the 64th annual Tony Awards this year, the CBS television network said on Monday.

The 39-year-old actor who has worked on stage, TV and in movies will host Broadway's top theater awards, which will be broadcast by CBS from New York's Radio City Music Hall on June 13.

"As the new guy on Broadway, it's an honor to be included in the established alumni," Hayes said in a statement. He is currently starring in the musical "Promises, Promises," which earned him a Tony nomination for best actor in a musical.

Hayes, who won an Emmy for his comic role as Jack McFarland in "Will & Grace," takes over the Tony's hosting duties from Neil Patrick Harris who helped drive up TV viewership for the awards ceremony last year.

The musicals "Fela!" and "La Cage aux Folles" lead the Tonys with the most nominations. Also among the nominees are actors including Jude Law, Scarlett Johansson, Denzel Washington, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Christopher Walken.

(Reporting by Christine Kearney, editing by Bob Tourtellotte)