La Cage aux Folles Producer Marty Richards Dead at 80

Chicago, La Cage aux Folles Producer Marty Richards Dead at 80

By Neal Broverman

Originally published on Advocate.com November 28 2012 10:41 PM ET

Much-loved stage and film producer Marty Richards died on Monday at age 80.

Richards is best-known for bringing Chicago to the big screen in 2002; it won six Academy Awards the following year, including Best Picture. He also produced many beloved musicals and stage productions, including the gay-centered hit La Cage aux Folles. Richards would win Tonys for La Cage, as well as Sweeney Todd and The Will Rogers Follies.

The Bronx-born producer started off as an actor and singer. With his success, he became a noted philanthropist, creating the charity known as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.