Updated November 27th, 2021 at 07:27 IST
Stephen Sondheim, Oscar-winning composer, dies at 91; Hugh Jackman & others pay tribute
Stephen Sondheim, the American composer and lyricist passed away at the age of 91. The Hollywood fraternity took to social media and expressed grief.
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Stephen Sondheim, the popular Broadway star passed away at the age of 91. The artist was a prominent songwriter who is best known for his works as a composer and lyricist in various Broadway musicals and films. Some of Stephen Sondheim songs include Follies, Company, A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, Into The Woods, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and others.
According to The New York Times, Stephen Sondheim's lawyer and friend announced his death and revealed that his demise was quite sudden as he was not known to be suffering from any illness.
Oscar-winner Stephen Sondheim dies at 91
Stephen Sondheim's lawyer and friend, F. Richard Pappas, recently made an announcement that the Broadway artist, Sondheim passed away. Stating further, he mentioned that the cause of his death was unknown but said that he was not known to be ill. His friend even mentioned that the late Oscar-winner, Sondheim, celebrated Thanksgiving a day before with friends in Roxbury.
The entire music industry was left in shock to hear the news about Stephen Sondheim's sudden death and they took to social media to extend condolences to his family. They also expressed grief on losing a musical theatre gem. Many other celebrities, as well as fans, also expressed their grief after learning about Sondheim's demise.
Jonathan Frakes took to Twiter and stated that Sondheim will live with them forever, while the American Theatre Wing thanked the musician for paving way for so many composers and theatre-makers. They also mentioned that they will never forget his inspiration and his generosity and what he gave to the world and the American theatre. Singer Chita Rivera dropped in a cherishing picture of the late musician and stated that her heart was saddened by the loss but the memories would live on forever.
John Barrowman, the British-American singer wrote how the late musician touched the hearts of millions and changed the view of the performers on how they look and perform Musicals. Singer Sandra Bernhard praised Stephen Sondheim and stated that he captured the spirit of humanity through his brilliant music and thanked him for pushing the boundaries of theatre for decades.
Sarah Silverman took to Twitter and penned a heart-touching poem and thanked him for his contribution to the music industry. Even Alec Baldwin reacted to Stephen Sondheim's demise while Jake Gyllenhaal dedicated an Instagram post for the composer and felt grateful to have shared time with the master and maestro of American musical theatre.
On the other hand, even numerous movie artists such as Hugh Jackman, Debbie Allen, Wilson Cruz, Idina Menzel, Ariana DeBose and others took to Twitter and expressed their grief on losing an iconic star from the music industry. Take a look at some of the reactions-
Thank you, thank you, thank you Stephen Sondheim. You paved the way for so many composers and theatre makers. We will never forget your generosity, your inspiration, and what you gave to the American Theatre and the world. pic.twitter.com/9GawaKUs2f
— American Theatre Wing (@TheWing) November 27, 2021
My heart is saddened for the loss.
— Chita Rivera (@Chita_Rivera) November 27, 2021
But my memories live on forever...#StephenSondheim pic.twitter.com/ruHGpytJoM
Stephen Sondheim died today at the age of 91.He touched the hearts of millions of audience members and touched the hearts and change the minds of performers and how we look and perform Musicals. I will never forget the times I worked with him. Steve will be missed.Jb pic.twitter.com/bzrLMYl9gj
— John Barrowman MBE (@JohnBarrowman) November 27, 2021
#StephenSondheim who captured the spirit of humanity through his brilliant music has taken his leave thank you for pushing the boundaries of theatre for decades pic.twitter.com/f0syBSGeYy
— Sandra Bernhard (@SandraBernhard) November 27, 2021
Mama said, “Darling, don't make such a drama.
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) November 27, 2021
A little less thinking, a little more feeling”
I'm just quoting Mama.
The child is so sweet
And the girls are so rapturous
Isn't it lovely how artists can capture us?
Thank you #stephensondheim
I am at a loss. Feels like the end of an era. He did indeed set the standard for the American musical.
— Ariana DeBose (@ArianaDeBose) November 26, 2021
Rest well, sir. #StephenSondheim
Every so often someone comes along that fundamentally shifts an entire art form. Stephen Sondheim was one of those. 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. pic.twitter.com/4KlnJJJipq
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 26, 2021
Master. Legend. Icon. I was so privileged to join in 2 standing ovations last week at the opening of Company on Broadway.
— Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) November 26, 2021
Gratitude for the endless inspiration he provided to generations. He changed the world. #rip #stephensondheim 😔 pic.twitter.com/kmpKfooNYg
Goodbye dear sir. We will spend our lives trying to make you proud. #stephensondheim
— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) November 26, 2021
RIP #StephenSondheim 🙏🏼❤️ Prolific composer and lyricist left us a legacy to remember and sing forever. THERE’S A PLACE FOR US...SOMEWHERE.
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) November 26, 2021
Love, Debbie pic.twitter.com/oxVZzRmQGk
Image: AP
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Published November 27th, 2021 at 07:18 IST
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