Martin Charnin, 85, the co-creator and lyricist for “Annie,” has died. His daughter posted a notice to Instagram over night. Charnin and Charles Strouse wrote the musical that has become a modern classic, performed all over the world many times. Charnin also directed dozens of productions and was planning a revival of the little known sequel. He got his start in the original company of “West Side Story” as an actor. His widow was former “One Life to Live” actress Shelly Burch. I knew him when she was married to his second wife, Jade Hobson, the former fashion director of New York magazine in the 1990s. (Tracee Ellis Ross was her intern!) Marty Charnin was one of those few towering Broadway greats who will never be replaced. The lights on Broadway will no doubt be dimmed in his memory on Tuesday evening.
from Instagram:
Our father passed away. Martin Charnin lived a very full life. He was watching Family Feud at the end, laughing with Shelly in bed at the hospital. He suffered a minor heart attack on the 3rd and tried to hold on for all us. His strength was astounding. He’s in a painless place, now. Probably looking for Cole Porter and Ira Gershwin. We adored Daddy and not fully accepting it yet. He loved and lived his best! He was the best father we could have ever imagined. He is survived by his wife, all of his kids and his three grandchildren, several dogs, cats and a kid with no pupils. And as loving as he was has kept all of us completely directionless. Which way do we go Daddy? Damn. But like he said and as corny as this sounds…the sun’ll will come out tomorrow. Rest In Peace, Daddy. We love you. #martincharnin
