King George III was a scene-stealer in Broadway's Hamilton - but what happened to the historical figure following the events of the musical? The King of Great Britain and Ireland was portrayed by Jonathan Groff in the Disney+ broadcast, a production that was filmed back in 2016 for wide release. Though he's often referred to as the "mad king who lost America," King George's history is much more complicated.

When Hamilton begins, Alexander Hamilton arrives in New York City in 1776, the early days of the American Revolutionary War. King George, who reigned over the territory prior to the overthrow of British rule, pops in and out of the musical, questioning how the U.S. would survive without his authority. Unlike the hip-hop and rap performances by his co-stars, Groff goes with a different style in "You'll Be Back" aimed at the American rebels. The same melody and chorus returns in Act 1's "What Comes Next?" when King George ponders how the U.S. will govern themselves and again in Act 2's "I Know Him" as the figure joyfully predicts how the new nation will become divided over John Adams' leadership.

Related: Hamilton: What King George's Song Chorus Really Means

King George's spit-filled performance became an instant fan-favorite, but it also added to the notion of the leader's reported "madness." The king outlived many of his predecessors but much of his reign involved conflicts among his territories, including the loss of the 13 colonies because of the American War of Independence. He claimed that the separation of the American colonies was inevitable and accepted them as an independent power. After the Revolutionary War, King George was thrust into the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars that would last until 1815 when Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated. By this point, over a decade had passed since Aaron Burr killed Hamilton and King George's health was already deteriorating.

King George III Suffered From Mental Illness

King George III of Great Britain

While many historians described King George's erratic behavior as "madness," the reality was that he suffered from mental illness. There was a different stigma about his condition compared to the definition surrounding his presumed diagnosis today. King George had recurrent episodes until he dealt with permanent mental illnesses. While some believed he suffered from a blood disorder known as porphyria, his symptoms suggested that he had bipolar disorder. Research has stated that King George suffered from mania, used very long sentences, and talked until he foamed at the mouth.

After his final relapse in 1810, King George was forced to withdraw from his position and a regency was put in place. His eldest son, George, ruled as Prince Regent while the former king lived in seclusion, since he was said to have gone insane. He also wasn't pleased with his son taking over due to him being associated with the political opposition. King George III died in 1820 at the age of 81, allowing his son to officially become King George IV. Despite his involvement in several wars and his struggle with mental illness, King George III was remembered as a successful leader who provided stability to Britain by not prioritizing aggression. Hamilton may have played into the "mad king" mindset but there was more to King George's six-decade reign.

Next: Hamilton: Biggest Differences Between Broadway & The Disney+ Movie