Michael McGrath, Veteran Broadway Star, Dead at 65
Tony-winning actor Michael McGrath has passed away at the age of 65.
His publicist confirmed the news to Variety on Sept. 14, noting that he died the same day at his home in Bloomfield, New Jersey. The rep—who described the late performer as “a Red Sox fanatic, bourbon connoisseur, devoted husband and father and friend to anyone who met him"—did not offer a cause of death at the time, but did reveal that the actor's passing came suddenly.
McGrath is likely best recognized for a slew of starring roles on Broadway, including originating the role of Patsy in the original Broadway cast of Monty Python’s Spamalot, which earned him a Tony nomination.
Eric Idle, famed member of Monty Python and creator of Spamalot, paid tribute to McGrath following the news of his death. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Very saddened to hear that Michael McGrath our first and most beloved Patsy in Spamalot, has passed away. Warm hugs to all the Spamalot family and very happy memories of a lovely man."
McGrath was also known for his work as Mr. Simmons in Memphis and Cookie McGee in Nice Work If You Can Get It, which earned him not only a Tony Award but Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well. He was most recently seen last year in Plaza Suite, which saw him reuniting on stage with fellow Nice Work star Matthew Broderick.
Audiences are also likely to recognize him as Martin Short's sidekick on The Martin Short Show. Other film credits include Ira & Abby, The Interpreter, Cowboys & Angels, and Changing Lanes. McGrath also had notable guest appearances on shows like Mathnet, Between the Lions, and Madam Secretary.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, actress Toni Di Buono, and their daughter, actress Katie Claire McGrath.
