Terrence McNally
- Known For
- Writing
- Born
- November 3, 1938 in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
- Died
- March 24, 2020
- Active Years
- 1976–2025 (50 Years)
- Total Credits
- 32 credits in database
Biography
Terrence McNally was an American playwright, librettist, and screenwriter born on November 3, 1938, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Throughout his career, he was recognized as a significant figure in contemporary theater, often described as the bard of American theater. His work frequently explored human relationships, particularly those of gay men, and was noted for its use of dark humor. McNally received numerous honors, including the 2019 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, the 2011 Dramatists Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Lucille Lortel Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1996 and the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2018. McNally died on March 24, 2020, in Sarasota, Florida.
Career overview
Terrence McNally was an American playwright, librettist, and screenwriter born on November 3, 1938, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Throughout his career, he was recognized as a significant figure in the theater world, earning descriptions such as the bard of American theater and one of the greatest contemporary playwrights. His body of work often explored human relationships, frequently focusing on the experiences of gay men and utilizing dark humor.
McNally received numerous honors for his contributions to the arts. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1996 and the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2018. His career was further distinguished by several lifetime achievement awards, including the 2019 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, the 2011 Dramatists Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Lucille Lortel Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, he received the Tony Award for Best Play for his work on Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class. McNally passed away on March 24, 2020, at the age of 81. His professional legacy includes 27 known credits in the film and television industry.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
32 titles- Kiss of the Spider Woman (2025) Musical
- Kiss of the Spider Woman (2025) Book
- Ragtime, The Musical: All-Star Reunion Concert (2024) Writer
- Ragtime: The Symphonic Concert (2023) Writer
- The Metropolitan Opera: Dead Man Walking (2023) Writer
- Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It (2021) as Self
- Anastasia (2021) Author
- It's Only a Play (2021) Writer
- Chita: A Legendary Celebration (2020) Writer
- Every Act of Life (2018) as Self
- Chita Rivera: A Lot Of Livin' To Do (2015) as Self
- The State of Marriage (2015) as Himself
- Corpus Christi: Playing with Redemption (2013) as Self
- Heart of Broadway: The Ensemble Behind Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (2011) as Himself
- 30 Years from Here (2011) as Himself
- Ragtime (2002) Book
- Common Ground (2000) Writer
- Creating Ragtime (1998) as Self
- Love! Valour! Compassion! (1997) Theatre Play
- Love! Valour! Compassion! (1997) Screenplay
- The Last Mile (1992) Writer
- Charlie Rose (1991) as Self
- Frankie and Johnny (1991) Screenplay
- Frankie and Johnny (1991) Theatre Play
- Andre's Mother (1990) Theatre Play
- Andre's Mother (1990) Writer
- Concrete Beat (1984) as Single Man of the Month
- Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983)
- American Playhouse (1982) Writer
- The Five Forty-Eight (1979) Teleplay
- The Ritz (1976) Theatre Play
- The Ritz (1976) Screenplay
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Terrence McNally best known for?
Terrence McNally is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Kiss of the Spider Woman (2025), Kiss of the Spider Woman (2025), Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It (2021), Blood: The Last Vampire (2000).
When and where was Terrence McNally born?
Terrence McNally was born on November 3, 1938 in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA. They passed away on March 24, 2020.
How many credits does Terrence McNally have?
Terrence McNally has accumulated over 32 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1976 to 2025.
What is Terrence McNally's background in cinema and television?
Terrence McNally was an American playwright, librettist, and screenwriter born on November 3, 1938, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Throughout his career, he was recognized as a significant figure in contemporary theater, often described as the bard of American theater. His work frequently explored human relationships, par...
Terrence McNally by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It (2021) as Self — aged about 82
- Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983) — aged about 44
- Charlie Rose (1991) as Self — aged about 52
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