Terrence McNallya four-time Tony winner who wrote musicals and plays such as Ragtime, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Full Monty and Kiss of the Spider Womandied March 24 at age 81 of coronavirus-related complications.
On social media, many celebrities weighed in on McNally's death."His work was vital, intense, hysterical and rare," wrote actor Jason Alexander, who starred in the 1997 film adaptation of Love! Valour! Compassion!, USA Today noted. "My hope is that he will inspire writers for years to come."
Actor Anthony Rapp tweeted, "RIP #TerrenceMcNally, who died today from #coronavirus complications. His was a vital voice in American [theater], especially effective at lifting up and amplifying the American LGBTQ experience. My thoughts are with his husband and their loved ones. Take good care, all." Rosie O'Donnell tweeted a headline about McNally's passion with "#heartbreak."
Broadway In Chicago President Lou Raizin told Windy City Times, "We are saddened by the loss of Terrence McNally, a Broadway great. Chicago remembers him fondly from his work on Ragtime in Chicago. Our hearts go out to all those touched by this crisis and our thanks to our medical community and first responders for all their heroic work."
McNally was an openly gay writer who wrote about homophobia, love and AIDS. He is survived by his husband, theater producer Tom Kirdahy.
Windy City Times is planning on publishing more about McNally and his legacy.
Andrew Davis