Composer-lyricist Jerry Herman, best known for the joyous musicals Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage aux Folles, died December 26 in Miami at 88.
Read the full Playbill obituary here.
Following the news of Herman's passing, the Broadway community took to social media to share memories and anecdotes about the composer and express gratitude for his timeless work.
Jerry Herman lost his hard fought battle last night and we lost one of the greats. A collaborator and friend for almost 40 years, I cannot thank him enough for his love, trust, encouragement, support and laughter. Well done, Mr Herman. Bravo! pic.twitter.com/QYws9jQu6h
— Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) December 27, 2019
RIP. What gifts you gave us. I grew up with your musicals. Honored to have performed your work on Broadway. ♥️ Thank you Jerry. https://t.co/rjUpaAtX7a
— NICK ADAMS (@TheNickAdams) December 27, 2019
RIP... thank you for you epic and everlasting contributions. https://t.co/YiGWTuTqLX
— Peppermint (@Peppermint247) December 27, 2019
So sad and shocked to hear of the death of Jerry Herman! One of #Broadway’s greatest composer/lyricist! RIP wonderful man. pic.twitter.com/MPPjXTSQMn
— Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) December 27, 2019
So sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest composers of our time, the legendary #JerryHerman Talent and kindness personified. Thank you for what you gave to the world!
— John Tartaglia (@johnnytartags) December 27, 2019
The great Jerry Herman is gone.
— Michael Feinstein (@MichaelFeinstei) December 27, 2019
He was an amazing composer, lyricists, and most of all FRIEND. I will miss him! pic.twitter.com/2V1CbT1i2x
Definition of a Broadway legend. Thank you for the music, sir. https://t.co/MAED9YXLJL
— Andy Mientus (@andymientus) December 27, 2019
Rest In Peace, Jerry Herman.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) December 27, 2019
So hold this moment fast
— Kristen Anderson-Lopez (@Lyrikris10) December 27, 2019
And live and love
As hard as you know how
And make this moment last
Because the best of times is now
Is now, is now, is now, is now
-Jerry Herman #lyricoftheday @inklines
How Sad,,,Jerry Herman has passed away ,,,of course he made it to Christmas and left us the next day !! He was always so enthusiastic and uplifting about things and gave us the wonderful show Hello Dolly among others !!RIP Jerry Dearest ❤️❤️❤️❤️��
— Bernadette Peters (@OfficialBPeters) December 27, 2019
Jerry Herman’s contributions to musical theater are among the most significant of the entire genre! RIP, sir.
— Jason SweetTooth (@jasonsweettooth) December 27, 2019
We lost a legend and a prince among men. Thank you so much, Mr. Herman. Your anthems and characters will live on...so will your legacy! Rest In Peace! ❤️ https://t.co/czgcrvPz8h
— Lindsay Mendez (@LindsayMendez) December 27, 2019
I had the great pleasure of working with Jerry Herman on a few projects. This photo was truly my favorite and it’s big number has become my anthem. Thanks Jerry for making my musical life so much richer. ‘Life’s not worth a damn till you can say, hey world, I am what I am.’ JB pic.twitter.com/IzFnNozRO1
— John Barrowman MBE (@JohnBarrowman) December 27, 2019
