Tony Award winner Charles Strouse passes away at 96

ANI May 16, 2025 187 views

Charles Strouse, the legendary composer behind Broadway classics like Annie and Bye Bye Birdie, has died at 96. The three-time Tony winner created some of musical theatre’s most enduring songs, including "Tomorrow." Beyond Broadway, he scored films like Bonnie & Clyde and All Dogs Go to Heaven. Strouse leaves behind a towering legacy in American musical theatre.

"Tomorrow, It’s the Hard-Knock Life, You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" – Charles Strouse’s unforgettable Annie score
Washington DC, May 16: Three-time Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist Charles Strouse, who was also known for his works like 'Annie' and 'Bye Bye Birdie', passed away on Thursday at the age of 96, reported Variety.

Key Points

1

Composed 30+ musicals including Annie and Bye Bye Birdie

2

Won 3 Tonys and Grammy nomination for Bonnie & Clyde

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Inducted into Songwriters and Theatre Hall of Fame

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Penned autobiography 'Put on a Happy Face'

The news was confirmed by the New York Times by Jim Byk, a spokesman for the family, as stated by Variety.

According to the outlet, Strouse had written scores for over 30 musicals, 14 of which were on Broadway. His first Broadway musical was 'Bye Bye Birdie' which first opened in 1960. His work won him his first Tony Award.

It was "Annie" that brought Strouse his third Tony win. He teamed up with lyricist Martin Charnin and librettist Thomas Meehan.

The Broadway musical ran for 2,377 performances and yielded productions around the world. Strouse's score included 'Tomorrow,' 'It's the Hard-Knock Life,' 'You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,' and 'I Don't Need Anything But You.'

As per Variety, Strouse was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Theatre Hall of Fame.

In addition to writing for the stage, Strouse also scored for film. He composed the score for 'Bonnie & Clyde' which landed him a Grammy nomination.

He also scored "'There Was a Crooked Man,' 'The Night They Raided Minsky's,' Sidney Lumet's 'Just Tell Me What You Want"' and the animated feature 'All Dogs Go To Heaven.'

According to the outlet, his other work includes 'Golden Boy,' an adaptation of Clifford Odets' classic starring Sammy Davis Jr. He earned another Tony nomination for that.

Strouse collaborated with fellow composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz on 1986's 'Rags,' starring opera star Teresa Stratas.

In 2008, in celebration of his 80th birthday, Strouse released his autobiography 'Put on a Happy Face: A Broadway Memoir', reported Variety.

He is survived by his children Victoria Strouse, Nicholas Strouse, Benjamin Strouse and Will Strouse.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
What a legend! "Annie" was my childhood favorite - still remember singing "Tomorrow" at school functions. His music transcended borders and generations. May his soul rest in peace 🙏
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Rahul S.
Never realized the same person composed music for both Broadway classics and films like Bonnie & Clyde. Such versatile talent! Indian musical theater owes much to pioneers like him.
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Anjali M.
"It's the Hard-Knock Life" was our anthem during college hostel days! 😄 His songs had this unique ability to connect with people across cultures. A true musical genius gone too soon.
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Vikram P.
While his Broadway work is legendary, I wish more Indians knew about his film scores. The music in "All Dogs Go To Heaven" was magical. Hope our Bollywood composers learn from such masters.
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Sneha R.
Three Tony Awards and still underrated in India! We need better exposure to global theater legends. Maybe schools should include musical theater appreciation in curriculum.
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Karan D.
His autobiography "Put on a Happy Face" is a must-read for anyone interested in theater. The man lived through Broadway's golden age. 96 years well-lived - what an inspiring legacy!

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Tags:
Charles Strouse Annie Bye Bye Birdie Tony Awards Broadway musical theatre
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