Legendary Broadway composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim, passed away in his home on November 26, 2021, at the age of 91. His death came as a shock to all who knew and loved him. The composer was known for his many iconic works – which include but are not limited to – West Side Story, Company, Gypsy, Sweeny Todd and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, as well as a significant influence on Broadway and the American theatre industry at large.
Over the course of his career, Sondheim won nine Tony Awards, eight Grammys, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1985, and an Academy Award in 1990, among others. In 2015, he was notably awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama. Following the announcement of his death, many peers, friends, and admirers in Hollywood paid tribute to the musical icon and industry titan.
Elaine Paige, who worked with Sondheim on Sweeney Todd wrote:
Barbara Streisand, who is also a notable Broadway force, was quick to share her appreciation for the legendary composer:
Hugh Jackman, was among the many stars who came out in droves to eulogize Sondheim, stating, “…As millions mourn his passing, I also want to express my gratitude for all he has given to me and so many more. Sending my love to his nearest and dearest”.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, who directed the critically acclaimed Tick Tick… Boom!, which interestingly features Stephen Sondheim as a character (played by Bradley Whitford) shared correspondence between him and the famed composer, encapsulating why the Broadway legend was widely loved.
Whitford, who played the composer in the aforementioned Tick, Tick… Boom! wrote:
Anna Kendrick, who appeared in the big-screen adaptation of Into The Woods, one of Sondheim’s most popular works wrote:
Josh Gad tweeted:
Gad was recently lined up to appear in the Broadway revival of Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum prior to the pandemic.
Another star lined up to appear in a recent adaption of Sondheim’s work, Rachel Zegler, shared her memories with the lyricist. Zegler, who is slated to appear as Maria Vasquez in the upcoming film adaptation of West Side Story directed by Steven Spielberg, wrote:
Zegler’s costar, Ariana DeBose also eulogized Sondheim on Twitter.
Spielberg himself shared a statement saying,
“Stephen Sondheim was a gigantic figure in American culture — one of our country’s greatest songwriters, a lyricist, and composer of real genius, and a creator of some of the most glorious musical dramas ever written. Steve and I became friends only recently, but we became good friends and I was surprised to discover that he knew more about movies than almost anyone I’d ever met. When we spoke, I couldn’t wait to listen, awestruck by the originality of his perceptions of art, politics, and people — all delivered brilliantly by his mischievous wit and dazzling words. I will miss him very much, but he left a body of work that has taught us and will keep teaching us, how hard and how absolutely necessary it is to love.”
Also in close proximity to West Side Story, Mark Harris – critic, author, and husband to Tony Kushner who penned the Spielberg directed West Side Story simply referred to Sondheim as “The Greatest”.
Bernadette Peters, a friend of the late musical genius, also shared her grief and appreciation for Sondheim.
Promising to make the composer proud, Idina Menzel, shared:
While her Wicked co-star, Kristin Chenoweth, tweeted:
Due to his prominence and influence, it is not surprising to see the many industry peers paying tribute to the late star. Broadway Veteran Lea Salonga, fellow composer Benjamin Scheuer, and Emmy-winning actress Uzo Aduba, also reacted to news of Sondheim's death.
Stephen Colbert, who interviewed Sondheim as recently as September 2021 reminded fans that Sondheim’s work will live on forever.
Neil Gaiman, Billy Eichner, Steve Pasquale, and Debra Messing were among the many who shared tributes and appreciation of the icon.
George Takei also mourned the composer, stating his legacy and lyrics are unparalleled, and there will never be another like him.
There is no denying how influential and important Sondheim was throughout his career. Today, the world mourns the loss of an artistic powerhouse whose works influenced the lives of many. His legacy, music, and work will live on. Our deepest condolences to his friends and family.