Martin Charnin, award-winning lyricist of Annie, died at age 84

Photo: John Lamparski / WireImage

According to Playbill, Martin Charnin, the creator, lyricist and director of the beloved musical Annie, died at the age of 84, after being hospitalized for a minor heart attack last week. His daughter Sasha Charnin Morrison announced the news of his death on social media Sunday. While Charnin continued to write musicals, he began his career in these films as a member of the Jets Big Deal in the original production of 1957 West Side Story, as well as appearing in the 1959 review Girls against boys with Dick Van Dyke.

Before penning Annie, Charnin won an Emmy for realizing It's wonderful, it's wonderful, it's Gershwin in 1972, and hung names to direct George M! and Become happy in 1971 and 1973, respectively. After writing the lyrics of Broadway-related stage shows like 1963 Hot Spot and Two by two in 1970, Charnin designs and directs the 1973 Broadway magazine Nash to nine, in addition to 1975 The National Lampoon Show and a host of special television shows.

In partnership with the late Thomas Meehan and composer Charles Strouse, Charnin created, wrote the lyrics and directed Annie after opting for clbadic comics Annie's little orphan. The show was premiered on Broadway in 1977 and has won seven of Tony's eleven nominations, including Best Music, Best Book and Best Original Score. The original production lasted 2,377 shows. Charnin would then direct many products from Annie in the United States and abroad, including the Broadway series in 1997. He also won another 1982 Tonys, providing lyrics and direction for the musical Jackie Robinson. The first with David Alan Grier.

He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.