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American composer and lyricist celebrated for iconic Broadway musicals.Jerry Herman revolutionized musical theatre with optimistic, melody-driven shows. Born in New York City, he studied at the University of Miami before achieving Broadway success. His works earned six Tony Awards, including two for Best Musical. Herman received the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors and is memorialized at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre.

• Herman was openly gay and dedicated his 1983 Tony Award for 'La Cage aux Folles' to his partner Martin Finkelstein, who later died of AIDS in 1990.
• Despite criticism for sentimentalism during the Sondheim era, Herman's shows consistently drew massive audiences; 'Hello, Dolly!' held the record for most Tony nominations (10) until 2001.
• He survived pancreatic cancer in 1992 through experimental treatment, later becoming a cancer research advocate.
• Herman died at 88 from pulmonary complications in Miami, having outlived both his partner and his mother (who inspired 'Mame').