The sudden death of Stephen Sondheim, songwriter, at his Connecticut home today will be shocking to many, considering his robust personality, even at 91.
While his passing may shock, there are no doubts about the enormous contributions he made as a songwriter and lyricist to American music over his 70-year tenure.
Here are some of the initial online reactions to his death. We’ll update as more come in..
Each now and then, an artist or group of artists transforms the art world. Stephen Sondheim was one such person. As millions mourn his death, I also want express my gratitude to him for all that he has done. My love and best wishes to his family. pic.twitter.com/4KlnJJJipq
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 26, 2021
It is a great blessing that Sondheim lived to 91 so that he could write wonderful music and amazing lyrics. May he Rest In Peace🥲🎵 🎶🎵 pic.twitter.com/vshNSdkvpQ
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) November 26, 2021
It was a shock to hear the music of one of the greatest musical theatre artists of our time. #StephenSondheim, has been taken to heaven. I was privileged to have appeared in two of his shows. @FolliesBroadway & Sweeney Todd, & also have a song co-written by him for my 50th Anniversary. RIP dear man pic.twitter.com/1u8RURvcix
— Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) November 26, 2021
I am so so sad to lose my friend Steve Sondheim He gave me so much to sing about ♥️♥️I loved him dearly and will miss him so much Thank you for all the gifts you gave the world Steve♥️
— Bernadette Peters (@OfficialBPeters) November 26, 2021
All of us were influenced by him, regardless of whether we realized it or not. Rest in Peace. You were an amazing gift to the world♥️ #Sondheim pic.twitter.com/ajM0oU7zSQ
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) November 26, 2021
RIP Stephen Sondheim. A genius and a wonderful person. He would go to every place and encourage young artists. (Like so many, I was sent a personal note that still thrills me today. He loved theater and was a theatre-goer. There will be trumpets pic.twitter.com/byiJaZ580H
— Paul Rudnick (@PaulRudnickNY) November 26, 2021
Goodbye dear sir. We will live our lives to make you proud. #stephensondheim
— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) November 26, 2021
American musical theater has lost an iconic figure. Stephen Sondheim’s legacy in songwriting and lyrics is unsurpassed. There will never be another master like him, whether it’s West Side Story or Sweenie Todd, Gypsy or Sunday in the Park With George.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 26, 2021
I feel lost. This feels like the end for an era. He set the American musical standard.
Rest easy, sir. #StephenSondheim
— Ariana DeBose (@ArianaDeBose) November 26, 2021
Theatre has not lost such a revolutionary voice since April 23rd 1616. Thank you, Mr. Sondheim, to your Demon Barber and for some Night Music, a Sunday at the Park, Company, fun at a Forum as well as the Forum trip Into Woods. We also got a West Side Story from you. RIP. 🙏 https://t.co/jHX7ob9JWv
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 26, 2021
Just a few nights back, I was discussing with someone how much fun (and difficult) it is singing Stephen Sondheim. It was one of the greatest honors in my career to perform his work. A devastating loss.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) November 26, 2021
I received a beautiful permission letter from him. “Old Friends”American Gods. I avoided meeting him (failed only once) and refused dinner because I didn’t have many heroes. Now I’ve got one less. Thank you Stephen Sondheim so much. pic.twitter.com/soRo4G2ZFU
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) November 26, 2021
Stephen Sondheim: Rest in Peace. Thank you for all your contributions to musical theater. Your songs will be sung forever. Oh, my heart hurts…
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 26, 2021
Stephen Sondheim has been receiving lifetime tributes since around 1973 and still it feels like we’ll always find something else to celebrate about him. Devastating.
— Louis Virtel (@louisvirtel) November 26, 2021
There are no words. They all were his. He was also unmatched in music. He was God to many. We loved his work. He was a great artist. So good. Rest peacefully❤️💔❤️ pic.twitter.com/A9MKH9NMEm
— Sondheim Society (@SondheimSociety) November 26, 2021