William Finn, the Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist, has passed away at the age of 73 on Monday, April 7, 2025, after a long illness. The news was confirmed by his literary agent, Ron Gwiazda, though no official statement has been released by Finn’s family.
Finn, a prominent figure in the Broadway community, was known for his intricate and heartfelt musicals, including Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. His work often explored complex themes such as love, family, and identity, and his contributions to musical theater left an indelible mark on the industry.
Born in Boston, Finn was both a composer and a lyricist, often crafting both the music and lyrics for his productions. His musical Falsettos, which premiered in 1992, became a defining piece of Broadway theater, dealing with LGBTQ themes against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic. The success of Falsettos led Finn to write its sequels, March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland, which were later combined into one production. This merged show garnered seven Tony nominations in 1992.
In addition to Falsettos, Finn’s A New Brain, which premiered on Broadway in 1998, drew inspiration from his own near-death experience with arteriovenous malformation. This deeply personal musical resonated with audiences for its exploration of life, mortality, and the power of perspective.
Beyond his work, Finn was known for his candidness, humor, and zest for life. After surviving his surgery, he famously reflected on the simple joys of existence, saying, “Everything’s wonderful. The elevator’s taking its own time, and don’t rush it.”
Finn’s death has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry, with many praising his talent, creativity, and impact on musical theater. He is survived by his partner, Arthur Salvadore.
