Douglas McGrath, a writer-director for stage, television, and film who received nominations for “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “Bullets Over Broadway” script he co-wrote with Woody Allen, passed away on Thursday in New York. He was 64.
The creators of McGrath’s solo off-Broadway production, “Everything’s Fine,” which debuted last month, made the announcement about his passing. The cause, according to a show spokesman, was a heart attack. John Lithgow was the director of “Everything’s Fine,” which McGrath wrote and starred in.
The cast of “Everything’s Fine” expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to deliver his solo autobiographical performance in a statement. Everyone who collaborated with him over the course of the final three months of production was moved by his grace, charisma, and dry sense of humour. We extend our sincere sympathies to his family.
On the staff of “Saturday Night Live,” McGrath started his writing career. He then wrote the plays “Checkers,” “The Age of Innocence,” and the musical “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which was performed on Broadway from 2013 to 2019.
King paid tribute to Doug on Instagram, writing, “Doug was brilliant, witty, talented, kind, a terrific friend and a wonderful storyteller who leaves a legacy of love and laughter.”
For the script of the 1994 film “Bullets Over Broadway,” which he co-wrote with Allen, McGrath received an Academy Award nomination. The 2014 Broadway stage adaption by Allen was based on the screenplay.
In addition to “Emma,” which starred Gwyneth Paltrow, McGrath also wrote and directed “Nicholas Nickleby,” which starred Charlie Hunnam. Additionally, he wrote and directed the Toby Jones-starring Truman Capote biopic “Infamous” in 2006.
For directing two HBO documentaries, “His Way,” about renowned music promoter and film producer Jerry Weintraub, and “Becoming Mike Nichols,” he received two Emmy nominations.
Henry McGrath, his son, and his wife Jane Read Martin are his only heirs.
