Four-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally died Tuesday at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19.
McNally, who was a lung cancer survivor who lived with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, passed away in Sarasota, Fla., according to a spokesperson. McNally had more than 20 Broadway credits, which included the Tony Award-winning “Love! Valour! Compassion!”, “Master Class,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and “Ragtime.”
He is survived by his husband, producer Tom Kirdahy.
The playwright, who received the 2019 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, is also known for such productions as “Anastasia,” “Mothers and Sons,” “The Ritz,” “The Full Monty,” “The Rink” and “And Things That Go Bump in the Night.”
He was most recently represented on Broadway with a 2019 revival of “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune,” his 25th production since 1965.
Chita Rivera, who starred in four of his productions, issued a statement about his passing.
“A huge part of me is gone. But then it’s not. Terrence wouldn’t like that,” Rivera said in a statement. “He helped to make me who I am as a person. He is the epitome of love and friendship. Only God knows how much I will miss him.”
McNally held a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and honorary degrees from the Juilliard School and New York University.
The family asks that any donations be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and the Dramatist Guild Foundation.
