In the wake of the news that Barbara Cook, legendary performer and one of Broadway’s most beloved ingénues, had passed away August 8, the theatre community took to social media to share their thoughts, memories, and grief. Among those to pay homage to the late star were Josh Gad, Laura Benanti, Vanessa Williams, Kristin Chenoweth, Ben Platt, and many more.
Lyricist Sheldon Harnick, whose 1963 musical She Loves Me marked one of Cook’s earlier Broadway roles, issued the following statement: “After my glorious experience with Barbara Cook in She Loves Me, we became lifelong friends. Barbara was a superb singer, a fine actress and, as a person, the soul of candor. I’ll miss her in all three capacities.”
Read: LEGENDARY PERFORMER BARBARA COOK DEAD AT 89
See below for a round up of reactions:
Rest In Peace, Barbara Cook. We all just wanted to be you. #TwoCunegondes #IWillMissHer #Heartbroken pic.twitter.com/coBbfzikr0
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) August 8, 2017
One of the great legends of musical theater has left us. RIP #barbaracook - the heavens will sing more beautifully than ever now. https://t.co/dQ9uomoOIu
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 8, 2017
Farewell to the dearest, most talented #BarbaraCook Loved every moment together. Honored 2 have called you friend RIP pic.twitter.com/fLL8ynuotG
— Vanessa Williams (@VWOfficial) August 8, 2017
Thank you Barbara Cook for the beautiful songs, the indelible characters, and the masterful storytelling. Heaven must sound glorious today.
— Ben Platt (@BenSPLATT) August 8, 2017
"If you are able to be yourself, then you have no competition." RIP to the incomparable Barbara Cook.
— Jessica Vosk (@JessicaVosk) August 8, 2017
Some heavenly choir just gained a most magnificent voice - and we have lost the great Barbara Cook https://t.co/IySz8HF8hP
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) August 8, 2017
If your Able to be yourself then you have no competition. All you have to do is get closer and closer to that essence -Barbara Cook ✨
— Shanice Williams (@LuvbeingShanice) August 8, 2017
Barbara Cook was one of the kindest, most inspiring talents the theater ever produced. Her voice and phrasing, magic. May she sing w. angels
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) August 8, 2017
Barbara Cook inspired scores of little sopranos like me to find their voices. #glitterandbegay #vanillaicecream #rip
— Lauren Molina (@lomo212) August 8, 2017
"Talk Less, Sing More." Barbara Cook's sage advice to me after coming to my show. What a gift it was knowing you. RIP #BroadwayLegend pic.twitter.com/jlzv28ptt0
— Cheyenne Jackson (@cheyennejackson) August 8, 2017
Rest In peace and love dearest #Barbara Cook A song's best friend.Thank u for your artistry,integrity,humanity,inspiration & support. 💖you pic.twitter.com/rPPL0bnMwA
— Donna Murphy (@DMurphyOfficial) August 8, 2017
