Real Talk April 02, 2020
Celebs Pay Tribute to Songwriter Adam Schlesinger After COVID-19 Death
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Hollywood is honoring Adam Schlesinger after he passed away from coronavirus complications at age 52.
Wednesday, the singer-songwriter's lawyer, Josh Grier, confirmed his death to Rolling Stone. Previously, in a statement to Entertainment Weekly by his agent, Schlesinger's girlfriend confirmed that “Adam has been hospitalized with COVID-19” and is “on a ventilator and has been sedated to facilitate his recovery.”
After the news broke, several celebrities — who worked with the Fountains of Wayne band member in varying capacities — paid their respects on social media.
Tom Hanks, who collaborated with Schlesinger on the 1996 film “That Thing You Do!” wrote a tweet crediting Adam's songwriting with jump-starting his production company, Playtone.
There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his That Thing You Do! He was a One-der. Lost him to Covid-19. Terribly sad today. Hanx
@tomhanks
Schlesinger received an Oscar nomination for writing the movie's titular tune.
(Last month, Hanks announced he and wife Rita Wilson tested positive for COVID-19. After they were quarantined in Australia, the couple returned to Los Angeles on March 27.)
Schlesinger also acted as the composer for The CW's “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” On social media, star and co-creator Rachel Bloom called him “irreplaceable.”
I have so much to say about Adam Schlesinger that I am at a complete loss for words. He is irreplaceable.
@Racheldoesstuff
Jimmy Kimmel, who worked with Schlesinger on “Crank Yankers,” added:
I am very sorry to hear the terrible news about Adam Schlesinger. I had the pleasure of working with Adam when he wrote the theme to Crank Yankers. He was a kind and super-talented man who will be missed. Sending love to his family, friends and fans.
@jimmykimmel
Stephen Colbert, who collaborated with Schlesinger on the 2010 Grammy Award-winning comedy album “A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!” tweeted:
I'm so saddened to hear of the death of Adam Schlesinger due to Covid19. From the Dana Carvey show to A Colbert Christmas Special, he was a great (and patient) and talented artist with whom it was my good luck to work. Peace.
@StephenAtHome
Schlesinger won three Emmys during his career: one for “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and two for his lyrical contributions to the 2011 and 2012 Tony Awards telecasts.
He and ex-wife Katherine Michel share two daughters, Sadie and Claire.
