Marc Shaiman

Marc Shaiman
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Name	Marc Shaiman
Birth date	22 October 1959
Birth place	Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation	Composer, lyricist, arranger, record producer
Years active	1979–present
Spouse	Louis Hobson, 2022

Marc Shaiman. An acclaimed American composer, lyricist, arranger, and record producer, he is a prominent figure in both film music and musical theatre. His career, which began in the late 1970s, spans iconic film comedies, celebrated Broadway musicals, and prestigious awards recognition. Shaiman is best known for his long-standing creative partnership with director Rob Reiner and writer Nora Ephron, as well as for composing the scores and songs for hit films like When Harry Met Sally... and Sister Act, and co-writing the musical Hairspray.

Early life and education

Born in Newark, New Jersey, he was raised in a Jewish family and developed an early passion for music and performance. He began playing the piano by ear as a child and was heavily influenced by the works of classic Broadway composers and the American popular song tradition. Shaiman moved to New York City as a teenager, where he attended Professional Children's School and immersed himself in the city's vibrant theatrical scene. His professional break came early when he started working as a rehearsal pianist for the Broadway musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, which launched his connections in the entertainment industry.

Career

Shaiman's multifaceted career launched in the late 1970s when he became a vocal arranger and music director for Bette Midler, collaborating on her tours and the film Divine Madness. This led to his pivotal move to Los Angeles and the beginning of his film scoring career, most notably with director Rob Reiner on the hit romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally.... He frequently collaborated with writer-director Nora Ephron on films such as Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail, establishing his signature blend of romantic and comedic orchestration. Beyond film, Shaiman has enjoyed a parallel and highly successful career in musical theatre, often co-writing with his partner Scott Wittman.

Film and stage work

His extensive filmography includes composing the scores for major comedies like City Slickers, The Addams Family, A Few Good Men, and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, for which he also co-wrote songs. He provided vocal arrangements for the animated classic The Little Mermaid and produced music for the Academy Awards ceremony. On Broadway, his greatest success is the Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray, with music and lyrics co-written with Wittman, based on the John Waters film. Their other stage collaborations include Catch Me If You Can, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the television production of Mary Poppins Returns.

Awards and nominations

Shaiman's work has been recognized with numerous major awards. He is an EGOT winner, having received an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, an Oscar (Academy Award), and a Tony Award. His score for The American President earned an Academy Award nomination, and the song "Blame Canada" from South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut was nominated for Best Original Song. He won the Tony Award for Best Original Score for Hairspray, which also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. His work on the television special Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special earned him a Primetime Emmy Award.

Personal life

Shaiman has been in a long-term relationship with actor and singer Louis Hobson, and the couple married in 2022. He is known for his active and outspoken presence on social media, particularly Twitter, where he engages with fans and the political landscape. A resident of Los Angeles, he is a prominent supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and various Democratic political causes. Shaiman continues to be a dynamic force in entertainment, balancing new projects for stage and screen while maintaining his status as a beloved figure in the industry.

Category:American composers Category:American lyricists Category:EGOT winners Category:People from Newark, New Jersey