Social: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Hanks and More Pay Tribute to Adam Schlesinger
By: A.A. Cristi Apr. 01, 2020
The entertainment community is bereft at the loss of Emmy and Grammy winner and Oscar nominee Adam Schlesinger. The talented songwriter passed away today from coronavirus-related complications. He was 52 years old.
Earlier in the week it was reported that doctors had placed Schlesinger in a medically induced coma and that the musician was breathing with the help of a ventilator after contracting the virus.
Schlesinger's band, Fountains of Wayne was nominated for two GRAMMY AWARDS in 2003 for Best New Artist and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Stacy's Mom".
He received two Tony nominations in 2008 Best Musical and Best Original Score for the musical Cry-Baby. Schlesinger also received a 2013 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Original Song for his "Elmo The Musical" theme for Sesame Street, and a 2011 Daytime Emmy nomination for the song "I Wonder" from Sesame Street.
He received a 2012 Emmy Award for Outstanding Music And Lyrics for the song he co-wrote with David Javerbaum for their song "It's Not Just For Gays Anymore", which was performed by Neil Patrick Harris at the opening of the Tony Awards. Schlesinger and Javerbaum also received 2013 Emmy Award for Outstanding Music And Lyrics for their song "If I Had Time", performed by Neil Patrick Harris as the closing number of the 66th Tonys telecast.
Adam was nominated for the 1997 Academy Award for Best Original Song for his infectious titular anthem for the film That Thing You Do!. He received two 2016 Emmy nominations for his work on the CW's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, as well as a 2017 Emmy nomination. In 2019 he won the 2019 Emmy award for Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics for "Antidepressants Are So Not A Big Deal", and was also nominated for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music for the season 4 theme of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
At the time of his passing, Schlesinger was at work on comedian Sara Silverman's forthcoming musical Bedwetter, as well as the upcoming musical adaptation of the television series, The Nanny.
Read reactions from the entertainment community below as they mourn the passing of this talented artist.
This is so heartbreaking. What a talent, what a loss. Sending all the love to his family, loved ones, Bloom and the entire CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND extended family. https://t.co/XPkYGu6HzD
- Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) April 1, 2020
Thank you so much Adam Schlesinger for your incredible songs- the best parties will forever be the ones where they play your hits. ??
- Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) April 1, 2020
We will miss you... Adam Schlesinger died of Covid 19 at age 52 today. He was writing the Music for The Nanny Musical. Devasted??? My prayers are for you. May peace be with you... https://t.co/bQ4aMznKk4
- Fran Drescher (@frandrescher) April 1, 2020
Tony-nominee Adam Schlesinger (Cry-Baby) wrote memorable #TonyAwards numbers "It's Not Just for Gays Anymore," "If Life Were More Like Theatre" & "If I Had Time" with David Javerbaum, winning 2 #Emmys for his Tonys work. He has died of Covid19 at age 52. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/lHR50hn4rJ
- The TONY AWARDS (@TheTonyAwards) April 2, 2020
Obviously this is only some of the amazing work he did, from CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND to "Stacy's Mom". He was prolific. And he gave a lot of wacky musical theatre girls their perfect tour de force with "Screw Loose". Love and condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues ?
- Jennifer Tepper (@jenashtep) April 1, 2020
Two songwriting geniuses on one stage. The great Mike Viola (who dubbed Jonathan Schaech's singin voice in the film) and Adam Schlesinger do a stripped down version of That Thing You Do! https://t.co/qhEjbKA5nl
- John Gallagher, Jr. (@JohnGallagherJr) April 2, 2020
There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his That Thing You Do! He was a One-der. Lost him to Covid-19. Terribly sad today. Hanx
- Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) April 2, 2020
I remember the day all the Oneders, @LivTyler and @tomhanks sat in a room and played about 6 submitted tracks from different bands for That Thing You Do. When we heard Adam Schlesinger's cassette it was instantly clear which track we would need to learn.
- Ethan Embry (@EmbryEthan) April 2, 2020
Oh god. Adam Schlesinger was wildly talented. He graciously wrote the theme song to my "KATHY" talk show called "I'll say it" He was so patient with me as I was recording it in the booth, guiding me at every step. He did the gig as a favor, in a little home studio on a Saturday? https://t.co/SpTdcoBIco
- Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) April 1, 2020
I am very sorry to hear the terrible news about Adam Schlesinger. I had the pleasure of working with Adam when he wrote the theme to Crank Yankers. He was a kind and super-talented man who will be missed. Sending love to his family, friends and fans.
- Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 1, 2020
Ugh. Heartbreaking to hear about Adam Schlesinger having passed. Such a brilliant songwriter.
- Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) April 1, 2020
RIP Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne), fine singer, witty and satiric songwriter. How terrible to lose him at 52 to this virus.
- Stephen King (@StephenKing) April 2, 2020
1/2 about Adam pic.twitter.com/x2LMIvZ9qf
- Aline Brosh McKenna (@alinebmckenna) April 1, 2020
This is my big cousin Adam. As a little boy I would be mesmerized by his talent. He showed me how cool it was to be an artist. We love you Cuz. Stay strong. Bless you and all of the hero's at the hospital on the front line. Please keep Adam in your heart. https://t.co/V8fa8HzgyN
- Jon Bernthal (@jonnybernthal) March 31, 2020
Adam Schlesinger was one talented man and the world will be a less tuneful place without him. I wrote a few songs with him when I was living in New York and he had a brilliant gift for melody. ♥️Love and healing to his family #AdamSchlesinger pic.twitter.com/EPBaIj6J4r
- Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) April 1, 2020
I'm so saddened to hear of the death of Adam Schlesinger due to Covid19. From the Dana Carvey show to A Colbert Christmas Special, he was a great (and patient) and talented artist with whom it was my good luck to work. Peace.
- Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) April 2, 2020
I have so much to say about Adam Schlesinger that I am at a complete loss for words. He is irreplaceable.
- Rachel Bloom (@Racheldoesstuff) April 2, 2020
adam schlesinger took pop music writing to its classiest and most untouchable place. an honor to live at the same time he made his work.
- jackantonoff (@jackantonoff) April 1, 2020
god it's so hard to believe that Adam Schlesinger is gone..he was an ever-present force in music. so cool and humble. i've always loved this early song from his band Ivy...it never fails to lift my spirits from the first beat: https://t.co/QkE4h8uDC6
- Juliana Hatfield (@julianahatfield) April 2, 2020
Adam Schlesinger's "That Thing You Do" is an amazing song, but don't sleep on the fake Wham! number he wrote for the opening of Music and Lyrics.
- Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) April 1, 2020
I was a huge Fountains of Wayne fan, and I just found out about the passing of Adam Schlesinger. Heartbreaking.
- James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 1, 2020
I am grasping for the right words. My dear friend Adam Schlesinger has passed away from COVID-19. You know him best through his music. From his band @fountainsofwayn to the countless movies and tv shows he scored, most recently My Crazy Ex Girlfriend (cont'd) pic.twitter.com/to8H4IoLtj
- Dashboard Confessional (@dashboardmusic) April 1, 2020
Adam was so vital to "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" helping create so many wonderful songs, and outside of that he created such great music for the world. The few times I briefly met him he was so kind. What a truly talented man. This is devastating. https://t.co/0Hr7ijf18D
- Benjamin Siemon (@BenjaminJS) April 1, 2020
My heart is broken. Adam Schlesinger is my favorite contemporary songwriter and he was so nice to me the times I've met him. My heart goes out to all of his friends and family. Just crushing. He was a legend. https://t.co/TKnjpYFUHn
- Allie Goertz (@AllieGoertz) April 1, 2020
Bleak, bleak news. Adam Schlesinger. Bona fide genius and lovely person. Gold and silver.
- Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) April 2, 2020
R.I.P. Adam Schlesinger. Nobody wrote fake songs better than him, and he was pretty f-ing great at writing real songs too. https://t.co/LOSF4zi6F5
- Griffin Newman (@GriffLightning) April 2, 2020
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