Stephen Sondheim, one of the most notable songwriters in Broadway’s history, passed away early Friday morning in Roxbury, Connecticut. He was 91-years-old.
Sondheim wrote music, lyrics, or both for iconic shows such as “West Side Story,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Sweeney Todd,” and many others.
The Tony-winning theatrical composer also wrote the score for “Sunday in the Park,” which was honored with the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for drama. Other incredible achievements of Sondheim’s include the Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime achievement, the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, a Tony Award for lifetime achievement, and even a Broadway house on West 43rd Street, which was renamed in his honor.
Sondheim’s lawyer and friend, F. Richard Pappas, announced his passing. He said that the cause of death was unknown; Sondheim was not known to be ill.
—
Photo credit: Juan Carlos Alonso Lopez / Shutterstock.com