Jonathan Larson

Pioneering American composer, lyricist, and playwright known for 'Rent'.

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:: Jonathan Larson
Role / Field:: Pioneering American composer, lyricist, and playwright known for 'Rent'.
Born:: 1960-02-04
Died:: 1996-01-25
Century / Era:: 1960s Historical Era
Database Source:: 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Jonathan David Larson (February 4, 1960 – January 25, 1996) was an American composer, lyricist and playwright, most famous for writing the musicals Rent and Tick, Tick... Boom!, which explored the social issues of multiculturalism, substance use disorder, and homophobia. Larson had worked on both musicals throughout the late 1980s and into the 1990s. After several years of workshopping, Rent began an off-Broadway run in early 1996, though Larson died from an aortic dissection the day before its first preview performance.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The show went on to enjoy critical and commercial success, and transferred to Broadway that April, becoming one of the longest-running Broadway productions. Larson posthumously received three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Rent was also adapted into a 2005 film. Tick, Tick... Boom!

Enduring Legacy & Impact

received an off-Broadway production in 2001, and was also adapted into a 2021 film, in which Larson is portrayed by Andrew Garfield. Jonathan David Larson was born on February 4, 1960, in Mount Vernon, New York, to Nanette (née Notarius; 1927–2018) and Allan Larson (1925–2021) of White Plains, New York. His family was of Russian-Jewish origins. His grandfather...

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1960 (1960-02-04): Birth of Jonathan Larson — Pioneering American composer, lyricist, and playwright known for 'Rent'.
1996 (1996-01-25): Passing & Historical Legacy — Jonathan Larson passed away on 1996-01-25, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
2001: 2001 Milestone — received an off-Broadway production in 2001, and was also adapted into a 2021 film, in which Larson is portrayed by Andrew Garfield.
2005: 2005 Milestone — Rent was also adapted into a 2005 film.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Jonathan Larson

True or False: “Jonathan Larson's work, Rent, was initially conceived to explore themes of multiculturalism and social struggle.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The musical was specifically noted for exploring social issues such as multiculturalism, substance use disorder, and homophobia.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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1960 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1960
February 4 (02-04) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 4
1996 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1996
January 25 (01-25) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 25

Frequently Asked Questions about Jonathan Larson

Who was Jonathan Larson and what are their primary contributions?

Pioneering American composer, lyricist, and playwright known for 'Rent'. Origins & Early Life: Jonathan David Larson (February 4, 1960 – January 25, 1996) was an American composer, lyricist and playwright, most famous for writing the musicals Rent and Tick, Tick... Boom!, which explored the social issues of multiculturalism, substance use disorder, and homophobia. Larson had worked on both musicals throughout the late 1980s and into the 1990s. After several years of workshopping, Rent began an off-Broadway run in early 1996, though Larson died from an aortic dissection the day before its first preview performance.

When was Jonathan Larson born and during which historical era did they live?

Jonathan Larson was born on 1960-02-04 and passed away on 1996-01-25. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 1960 Chrono-Archive.

Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Jonathan Larson?

Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.

Source: Wikipedia