Marvin Hamlisch, Musical Composer, Dies at 68
Marvin Hamlisch, the beloved composer who worked on dozens of Broadway and film scores including "The Way We Are" (1973), "The Sting" (1973), "Ordinary People" (1980), and the 1975 stage hit "Chorus Line," passed away on Monday at the age of 68 in Los Angeles.
Although Hamlisch had experienced a brief illness at the time of his death, no other details have yet to be released.
Hamlisch was one of only 11 people to have been awarded Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and a Tony throughout his career. He is one of only two people to have won those four awards plus the Pulitzer Prize, and he has also won two Golden Globes.
Hamlisch composed over 40 musical scores for film and the stage, his most popular work involving the long-running Broadway favorite "Chorus Line," for which he won both a Tony and the Pulitzer Prize.
Hamlisch was principal pops conductor for symphony orchestras in Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Dallas, Pasadena, Seattle, and San Diego. Before his death he was commissioned to be the principal pops conductor for the Philadelphia Orchestra and was set to lead the New York Philharmonic for 2012's New Year's Eve concert event. In a news release by his publicist, Hamlisch was also set to fly to Nashville, TN later this week to see a production of his hit musical, "The Nutty Professor."
Along with his impressive musical career, Hamlisch made a name for himself in American pop culture. His uniquely nerdy look, highlighted with thick-framed eyeglasses, gained him recognition on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." Comedian Gilda Radner would perform Nerd sketches where her character Lisa Loopner would swoon over Hamlisch's geeky-handsome style.
Hamlisch was also Musical Director and arranger of Barbra Streisand's 1994 concert tour of the U.S. and England He also directed the televised special "Barbra Streisand: The Concert," winning two Emmys for his work.
Hamlisch leaves behind an impressive legacy in both Hollywood, the stage, and beyond.
"Marvin Hamlisch plays a piano melody of his famous songs":