The world has lost award-winning playwright Terrence McNally at 81. The four-time Tony winner reportedly died yesterday from complications due to coronavirus at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida.
McNally, a lung cancer survivor with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was described as the “bard of American theater.” Since debuting with “And Things That Go Bump,” controversial for portraying an openly gay character, McNally went on to write Award-winning plays for on-and-off-Broadway, was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2018, and has received multiple Lifetime Achievement awards.
McNally is survived by his husband Tom Kirdahy, and his brother, Peter McNally. During this time of uncertainty and self-isolation, here’s an inspiring quote by the late playwright about how art can inspire change in society:
“I don't think theater can solve the problems of a society, nor should it be expected to," McNally said. "But plays can provide a forum for the ideas and feelings that can lead a society to decide to heal and change itself."
Source: NBC News
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