Historic Theatre Legend Roy A. Somlyo Passes Away at 83

Veteran television and theatrical producer Roy A. Somlyo, and the former president of the American Theatre Wing, has died at age 83. Somlyo had been battling cancer according to close associates.

Somlyo produced or managed more than 100 shows on Broadway, London and on tour, and for television his efforts have produced over 50 network programs for which he won four Emmy Awards.

He began a 37 year affiliation with the Tony Awards in 1967 while continuing other television and theatre activity. As the first managing producer for Tony Award Productions, he was the architect of the current Tony Awards structure and presentation.

After 12 years he resigned as managing producer and trained his successor. Subsequently he was elected president of the American Theatre Wing where he served through the 2003 Tony Awards.

Somlyo worked on many Broadway productions including The Matchmaker, Gypsy, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, Dear World, I Remember Mama and 84 Charing Cross Road.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, a son and a daughter and four grandchildren.

The family requests donations to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center be made in lieu of flowers.

Photo Credit: Linda Lenzi