Broadway producer Adam Epstein has died at the age of 49.
The theater legend, who worked on Hairspray, Amadeus and the Crucible, died on Tuesday following a battle with brain cancer.
His family confirmed the news, via the Hollywood Reporter, sharing that he was at the Adventist Health Hospital in LA.
Brett Epstein, his younger brother, posted a lengthy statement and tribute to his sibling on Facebook on Wednesday, sharing that a ‘large part’ of himself has also died.
Alongside a photo of the pair together during one of their ‘weekly brothers dinners’, he began: ‘It’s with profound sadness and the heaviest of hearts that I announce the passing of my beloved brother and best friend Adam Epstein.
‘Adam, who would have been 50 on September 7th, tragically lost a very short yet incredibly grueling battle to a brain tumor (Gliosarcoma). My entire family is devastated and in shock from his loss.
‘A large part of me died yesterday as well after he passed and I cannot imagine a world where I am living in it without him. I will somehow have to manage to move forward.
‘Adam, I am so honored to have been able to call you my brother. There will never ever be another like you. You were a dynamo, a star, a true one of a kind.. I will miss you forever and I would not be who I am today had I not had you in my life.
‘You were an amazing brother to our younger sister Logan Epstein as well as an exceptional brother-in-law to my wife Natalie Epstein. I am so grateful that Hazel and Oliver got to know their “Uncle Addy” and I pledge to you that Sophie and baby Lucy will know what an incredible person and spirit you were as well.’
Brett added: ‘I have lots of old family pictures, videos and other memories thankfully to share with them.
‘My heart breaks for my parents as no parent should ever lose a child, no matter what age.
‘Mom and Dad, while I am now your only son here on earth, Adam is forever with you through me, my children, and in all of our hearts and memories. Adam, I love you…’
Adam had wanted to go into producing from a very young age, and – according to the Hollywood Reporter – performed in musicals when he was growing up.
The Florida native attended NYU and earned a BA in political science before beginning his Broadway career as an intern.
He made his way up to production assistant on The Life in 1997, and worked on A View From The Bridge in 1997, which starred Allison Janney and Anthony LaPaglia.
The production was a massive hit and won two Tony Awards – best revival of a play and best performance by a leading actor for Anthony – as well as a number of Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle trophies.
Following this, he worked on the production of Amadeus with Michael Sheen in 1999, and the Crucible in 2002, with Laura Linney and Liam Neeson.
One of his biggest hits came thanks to his work on the stage production of Hairspray, which opened in 2002 to huge acclaim and a stunning eight Tony wins.
It went on to get adapted for the cinema in 2007, with Zac Efron, John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Marsden and Amanda Bynes in the cast.
Over the years, Adam landed 46 nominations for his productions, winning a staggering 12 times.
In 2021, he swapped the stage for the podcast world, launching Dirty Moderate and promising listeners ‘rigorous analysis and lively debate with individuals on both sides of the aisle and beyond’.
The latest episode was released on August 8, including a conversation with veteran Jason Kander.
Adam is survived by his parents, his brother Brett and sister Logan, as well as nephews and nieces.
His family have requested for donations to be made to UCLA Brain Cancer Research in lieu of flowers.
A private funeral will be taking place this weekend in Miami.
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