Look Back at the Stage Work of Marvin Hamlisch

Marvin Hamlisch, the celebrated composer of A Chorus Line, was born June 2, 1944. In honor of the late composer’s birthday, we’re taking a look back at his illustrious career—during which he became one of only a handful of people to have won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards.

After beginning his career as a rehearsal pianist for Funny Girl with Barbra Streisand, Hamlisch rose in the industry by writing songs for artists Liza Minnelli and Lesley Gore, as well composing the scores for films such as The Swimmer and Take the Money and Run. He continued to write film scores throughout his career (Ordinary People, Sophie’s Choice, and The Sting are among some of his most celebrated credits).

In 1975, Hamlisch’s musical A Chorus Line earned the composer both a Tony Award and a Pulitzer; the musical remains well-loved and oft-revived, with prolific television producer Ryan Murphy currently adapting the musical into a 10-part miniseries for Netflix.

Hamlisch also composed the scores for the musicals They’re Playing Our Song, Jean Seberg, Smile, The Goodbye Girl, and The Nutty Professor. Throughout his career, he accumulated three Academy Awards, one Tony Award, four Grammy Awards, and four Emmy Awards—making him what is known as an EGOT.

Flip through photos from Hamlisch’s career below:

Look Back at the Stage Work of Marvin Hamlisch

Hamlisch in rehearsal for <i>Smile</i> with Anne Bobby, Tia Riebling, Nikki Rene, Donna Marie Elio, Veanne Cox, Lauren Goler, Cheryl-Ann Rossi, Julie Tussey, Cindy Oakes and Jodi Benson, Sept. 1986 — Look Back at the Stage Work of Marvin Hamlisch

The composer was born June 2, 1944.
48 PHOTOS

A scene from the original Broadway production of <i>A Chorus Line</i> — A scene from the original Broadway production of *A Chorus Line*

Wayne Cilento in the original Broadway production of <i>A Chorus Line</i> — Wayne Cilento in the original Broadway production of *A Chorus Line*

Marvin Hamlisch and Joe Papp at the <i>Chorus Line</i> recording session — Marvin Hamlisch and Joe Papp at the *Chorus Line* recording session

Donna McKechnie records the <i>Chorus Line</i> cast album — Donna McKechnie records the *Chorus Line* cast album

Marvin Hamlisch, Goddard Lieberson and Michael Bennett at the <i>Chorus Line</i> recording session — Marvin Hamlisch, Goddard Lieberson and Michael Bennett at the *Chorus Line* recording session

The original cast of <i>A Chorus Line</i> at the recording session — The original cast of *A Chorus Line* at the recording session

Eight "Cassies" perform at the record-breaking 3.389th Broadway performance of <i>A Chorus Line</i> — Eight "Cassies" perform at the record-breaking 3.389th Broadway performance of *A Chorus Line*

Lucie Arnaz in <i>They're Playing Our Song</i> — Lucie Arnaz in *They're Playing Our Song*

Robert Klein in <i>They're Playing Our Song</i> — Robert Klein in *They're Playing Our Song*

Lucie Arnaz and Robert Klein in <i>They're Playing Our Song</i> — Lucie Arnaz and Robert Klein in *They're Playing Our Song*

Robert Klein and Lucie Arnaz in <i>They're Playing Our Song</i> — Robert Klein and Lucie Arnaz in *They're Playing Our Song*

Valerie Lau-Kee, Nikki Rene, Deanna D. Wells, Donna Marie Elio and Julie Tussey in <i>Smile</i> — Valerie Lau-Kee, Nikki Rene, Deanna D. Wells, Donna Marie Elio and Julie Tussey in *Smile*

Tia Riebling and Lauren Goler in <i>Smile</i> — Tia Riebling and Lauren Goler in *Smile*

A scene from <i>Smile</i> — A scene from *Smile*

Anne Marie Bobby and Jodi Benson in <i>Smile</i> — Anne Marie Bobby and Jodi Benson in *Smile*

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