Gerald Schoenfeld, Chairman of the Shubert Organization, Dies at 84

Gerald Schoenfeld, the powerful chairman of the Shubert Organization for the past 35 years, died suddenly of a heart attack on November 25 at his home in New York City. He was 84, and remained active until his death, attending several theater and film premieres in the past week alone.

"I can’t imagine not seeing him at every opening night sitting on the aisle,” actress Bernadette Peters told Broadway.com. “He was a great friend and supporter of the Broadway community. There will be a large void and I will miss him.” To read tributes to Schoenfeld from Peters and other Broadway stars, click here.

Born in New York City in 1924, the son of a fur coat manufacturer, Schoenfeld attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, received his B.S. from the University of Illinois and L.L.B. from New York University School of Law. He began his career in a law firm that represented the Shubert theatrical empire and ultimately joined the privately held organization, becoming chairman in 1973 in partnership with Bernard B. Jacobs as president. Jacobs died in 1996, and adjoining theaters on 45th Street were renamed for the two men in 2004: The Plymouth Theatre became the Schoenfeld, and the Royale was redubbed the Jacobs. At his death, Schoenfeld held the title of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Shubert Organization.

Today, the Shubert Organization owns and operates 16 Broadway theaters in New York City: the Ambassador, Barrymore, Belasco, Booth, Broadhurst, Broadway, Winter Garden, Cort, Golden, Imperial, Jacobs, Longacre, Lyceum, Majestic, Schoenfeld and Shubert, as well as a half interest in the Music Box and ownership of one off-Broadway house, the Little Shubert. Outside New York, the Shuberts own both the Shubert Theatre in Boston and the Forrest in Philadelphia, and manage the National in Washington, D.C.

Through the company’s Shubert Foundation, Schoenfeld oversaw grants of tens of millions of dollars over the years to provide operating support to not-for-profit, professional resident theater and dance companies, as well as arts-related organizations that help support their development.

Under Schoenfeld’s leadership, the Shubert Organization was much more than a theatrical landlord. The company also produced dozens of plays and musicals, which helped rescue the entire Broadway community in the lean years of the 1970s. Shubert productions included such works as Ain’t Misbehavin’, Amadeus, An Inspector Calls, Sunday in the Park with George, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Children of a Lesser God, Dreamgirls, The Heidi Chronicles, Pippin, Equus, Skylight, Closer, Grease and, especially, A Chorus Line. Most recently, Schoenfeld was personally involved in the production of the rock musical Passing Strange and could be seen sitting on the aisle at the Belasco Theatre at many performances, much to the delight of the show’s creator and star, Stew. “Gerry will talk about Cole Porter like he just ran into him yesterday, so it’s really humbling that we agree on so much,” Stew told Broadway.com.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Schoenfeld has played a key role in community development and civic affairs in New York City, including leading the effort to renew and improve Times Square and the surrounding area. The Shubert Organization has been actively engaged in supporting the Board of Education of the City of New York in the reintroduction of art and culture K through 12 in the city's public schools. Schoenfeld also served as Chairman of the Mayor's Midtown Citizens Committee. 

In Schoenfeld's honor, all Broadway theaters will dim their lights on November 25 for one minute at 7 PM.

Schoenfeld is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pat; a daughter, Carrie Schoenfeld-Guglielmi; a son-in-law, Fiore Guglielmi; two grandchildren, Sam and Julia Schatz; and a brother, Irving. At the family's request, funeral arrangements will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date.