They say you die twice. 

   The first time is when you take your final breath, and the second: the last mention of your name. In this case, Stephen Sondheim is immortal. 

   On November 26th, 2021, American lyricist and composer Stephen Sondheim passed away…for the first time. Tributes to the beloved icon flooded Twitter just minutes after his death announcement. 

   Lin-Manuel Miranda, the genius behind the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, reminisced on Sondheim’s accomplishments, ending his tweet by saying, “We love you. I love you. THANK YOU.” 

   Idina Menzel posted, “Goodbye dear sir. We will spend our lives trying to make you proud.”

   From Broadway veterans to upcoming actors and everyone in between, celebrities made it clear that Sondheim will never be forgotten.

   Though you may not know his name or face, you most certainly know his work. In 1957, Sondheim’s first major contribution to musical theater hit the New York stage. West Side Story became one of Broadway’s most successful productions of all time, with lyrics written by Sondheim himself. (Coincidentally, Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation will premiere in theaters on December 10th). Racking up another Broadway title, Sondheim’s lyrics for Gypsy debuted in 1959. 

   In 1962, Sondheim took on his first independent opportunity as a composer and lyricist with A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The comedy allowed Sondheim to dip his toes in a pool of highly sought-after awards by winning his first Tony. He continued to win eight more, including one for best musical, Sweeny Todd, along with other awards such as eight Grammys, an Oscar, and a Pulitzer Prize. 

   Perhaps his most famous works were written in the 1980s. Sondheim partnered with James Lapine to open Sunday in the Park with George in 1984, which was renewed for a Broadway revival in 2017. Continuing this partnership, Sondheim composed and wrote lyrics for Into the Woods, which debuted on Broadway in 1987. Recently, in 2014, the Tony award-winning musical became a Disney film adaptation starring Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, and James Corden. 

   Sondheim quickly became known for his witty lyrics and well-articulated rhymes. His musical style ranged far beyond traditional standards; his talent completely outshined his peers. Sondheim combined multiple genres, constructing unique themes about reality and fantasy. His brilliance bled through each and every one of his works, causing audiences to laugh, cry, and applaud. 

   Similar to Oscar Hammerstein II’s role in his life, Sondheim acted as a mentor to many young thespians. Two days after his death, musical theater stars gathered in Times Square to recognize Sondheim by singing “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George. 

   Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sara Bareilles, Raúl Esparza, Stephen Schwartz, Laura Benanti, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Josh Groban were few among a crowd of hundreds. The viral event was trending on numerous social media platforms under the hashtag “SundayForSondheim.” 

   Yet, Sondheim will not only be remembered for his contributions to Broadway. He was respected by all and hated by none. His morally good and selfless persona thrived in an industry filled with competition. 

   Sondheim gifted us multiple musicals that completely transformed the future of Broadway. Although he took his final breath the day after Thanksgiving, his name will always be remembered. Sondheim left a lasting imprint on audiences of every race, religion, and gender. 

   While other stars and icons may eventually be forgotten, Stephen Sondheim continues to live on in the pages of a script, the notes of a song, and the hearts of everyone around the globe.