Broadway Mourns the Passing of Dame Gillian Lynne
By: Stephi Wild Jul. 01, 2018
BroadwayWorld reported today that trailblazing dancer, director, and choreographer Dame Gillian Lynne has passed away. According to a tweet sent by her official Twitter account, she passed away tonight, July 1, at 6:20pm at the Princess Grace Hospital.
Dame Gillian Lynne has made an unprecedented contribution to the arts world; from classical ballet to featured dance performance in theatre, film and television. Over the course of her career, Gillian has directed more than sixty productions in the West End and Broadway as well as working on eleven feature films and hundreds of television productions as producer, director, choreographer or performer.
She recently was honored with a theatre dedicated to her namesake. As BroadwayWorld reported, the New London Theatre in the West End was renamed the Gillian Lynne Theatre on June 22, 2018. It was the first West End theatre to be named after a woman.
The Broadway community took to social media to share memories and condolences. See some of the tributes below.
To say she was 'one of a kind' would be an understatement! I'm sending much love to Peter, her family and all of those lucky enough to have known and worked with her as well - MC. [2 of 2]
- Michael Crawford (@CrawfordMichael) July 2, 2018
RIP dear Gillian Lynne
- Bernadette Peters (@OfficialBPeters) July 2, 2018
Your talents created so much joy for us all??
Farewell dearest Gillie, three generations of the British musical owe so much to you. With love, Andrew
- Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) July 1, 2018
Sad to hear we've lost Gillian Lynne. Her "Cats" choreography made me want to dance as a kid, and her "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" choreography made me sore as an adult.
Grateful for my brief time with her. A dame indeed. ?? pic.twitter.com/pheT6lV59U- Tim Federle (@TimFederle) July 2, 2018
'A unique light has gone out in the Musical Theatre with the loss of the great Gillian Lynne. pic.twitter.com/oCEsnBQz5v
- The Phantom Of The Opera (@PhantomOpera) July 2, 2018
@Gillian_Lynne was one of the most important, constant and supportive figures in my theatrical career and the most beautiful lady inside and out. @peterland_uk I'm heartbroken for you and all of us who loved her. RIP gorgeous Gillie. Class personified xx
- Michael Ball OBE (@mrmichaelball) July 2, 2018
One of the great British choreographers, Gillian Lynne, passed today. R.I.P. #Gilly
- Nigel Lythgoe OBE (@dizzyfeet) July 1, 2018
So saddened by the news of Gillian's Lynne's passing. She touched so many lives including mine, and I'll always be grateful for the time we spent together. RIP dear Gillie. #GillianLynne
- Liz Callaway (@LizGoesOn) July 2, 2018
I will always treasure the time that the lionhearted Gillian Lynne and I spent together creating the physical being of the Phantom, but even more than that, I will never forget the decades of friendship and my never-ending admiration of her life, and unparalleled career. [1 of 2] pic.twitter.com/ckUAki25lh
- Michael Crawford (@CrawfordMichael) July 2, 2018
Heartbroken hearing the news of #GillianLynne going to the Heaviside Layer. RIP dear friend and teacher. I raise a glass to you tonight with tears in my eyes. pic.twitter.com/hhipxe1NYI
- Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) July 1, 2018
A post shared by Betty Lynn Buckley (@blbuckley) on Jul 1, 2018 at 2:06pm PDT
A legend has left us. Dame Gillian Lynne. I had the honour and privilege to have been choreographed by her and present her with a lifetime achievement award. A wonderful person and dear friend.
- David_Suchet (@David_Suchet) July 1, 2018
My heart is with you Peter. So sorry. She was one of a kind. We shall never see her like again and we shall never forget her. xx
RIP Dame Gillian Lynne ??
- Danny-Boy Hatchard (@danboy) July 1, 2018
RIP Dear Gillie... you supported and inspired me from the very beginning... your spirit & love of dance & dancers lives on in all of us who share that love ?? @Gillian_Lynne #DameGillianLynne all love to @peterland_uk x pic.twitter.com/g2jzQwNaGf
- Matthew Bourne (@SirMattBourne) July 1, 2018
Very sorry to hear this news. A giant. Gillian you will be greatly missed. What an extraordinary legacy - loved & appreciated by so many.
- LAIRD MACKINTOSH (@LairdMackintosh) July 1, 2018
Extremely sad to come online tonight and see the news that @Gillian_Lynne has passed away. What an astonishing life and career. Honoured to have been a small part of one of her shows. Rest in peace x
- Nadim Naaman (@NadimNaaman) July 1, 2018
Sad to hear of the passing of a choreographic legend.
- Michael Xavier (@michaelxavierUK) July 1, 2018
Gillian Lynne, it was a pleasure to know you. So great that you have your own theatre now! #gillianlynne
What an incredible artist. What an incredible legacy she leaves behind. #RIPGillianLynne pic.twitter.com/asw8lju3GO
- Jason Forbach (@jtforbach) July 1, 2018
RIP Dame Gillian Lynne, 92, star ballerina turned celebrated choreographer of Cats, The Phantom of the Opera and The Muppet Show pic.twitter.com/gyJwDYoRQc
- Adam Feldman (@FeldmanAdam) July 1, 2018
Firing the nipples tonight & every night for our Gillie. Rest well, great lady. #gillianlynne #goddess
- John Bolton (@ItsJohnBolton) July 1, 2018
Dame Gillian Lynne's voice as a choreographer was an inspiration to countless kids who would one day become dancers. It was also an invitation saying: "Come. Don't you want to do this?"
She is to be thanked for so many of the great artists we have working today. - Annoying Actor Friend (@Actor_Friend) July 1, 2018
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