The Young and the Restless Spoilers: Y&R Alum Terrence McNally Dead At 81

There is sad news to report for daytime drama fans, Terrence McNally, former The Young and the Restless star, has passed away. The actor was 81.

The acclaimed playwright had an illustrious career that spanned several decades, including a role as Dr. Robert Lynch on Y&R from 1993 until 1994.

Mr. McNally was a lung cancer survivor who had lived with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for some time before passing away today at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, according to the New York Post. McNally’s death was confirmed by his spokesperson Matt Polk.

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Mr. McNally was an award-winning playwright

Mr. McNally was an internationally known playwright and a four-time Tony Award-winner. He is survived by his husband, Broadway producer Tom Kirdahy.

He was the recipient of the 2019 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, and a Pulitzer Prize nominee in 1994 for A Perfect Ganesh.

Among the plays and musicals written by Mr. McNally are Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Master Class, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Ragtime, The Full Monty, The Ritz, and Love! Valour! Compassion!, and And Things That Go Bump in the Night.

McNally’s body of work confronted the AIDS epidemic

Mr. McNAlly addressed the AIDS epidemic directly with his plays, Love! Valour! Compassion! and Mothers and Sons, and his work Kiss of the Spider Woman notably confronted homophobia.

Tributes from his friends and colleagues have begun to pour in, with Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda tweeting, “Heartbroken over the loss of Terrence McNally, a giant in our world, who straddled plays and musicals deftly. Grateful for his staggering body of work and his unfailing kindness.”

Legendary actress Chita Rivera, 87, said in a statement, “A huge part of me is gone. He helped to make me who I am as a person … Only God knows how much I will miss him.”

The company of Anastasia wishes to express its immense sadness in hearing about the loss of one of America’s great playwrights, our Book writer, Terrence McNally. We are proud to call him a part of our family, and celebrate his legacy. pic.twitter.com/RXw9i70XZ4

— Anastasia Musical (@AnastasiaBway) March 24, 2020

McNally’s career spanned six decades

The distinguished octogenarian was a St. Petersburg, Florida native who grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. He moved to New York in 1956 and later graduated with an English degree from Columbia University. He credited his love of the theater to his parents, and he began writing plays in high school.

Mr. McNally is survived by his husband, Broadway luminary Tom Kirdahy, as well as his brother Peter McNally in addition to many extended family members.

We send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mr. McNally’s family and loved ones at this time.