Renowned playwright Terrence McNally dies in Sarasota due to coronavirus complications 

Terrence McNally, renowned playwright and screenwriter, died in Sarasota on Tuesday at Sarasota Memorial Hospital due to complications from the coronavirus, spokesman Matt Polk told multiple news outlets.

Mr. McNally, 81, was born in St. Petersburg on Nov. 3, 1938.

His noted works for stage include “Bad Habits,” “The Tubs,” “Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune,” “Master Class,” and “Love! Valour! Compassion!” several of which were adapted for the screen.

McNally also penned Tony-award-winning librettos for musicals “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and “Ragtime.”

McNally had chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and had previously survived lung cancer, according to the New York Times.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital could not confirm McNally’s death. A press release from the hospital said that two patients died on Tuesday, one of whom had tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 and one suspected to have COVID-19 whose test results were pending.

The Florida Department of Health identified a positive case of COVID-19 involving an 81-year-old male Florida resident in Sarasota on Monday.

This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 4:43 PM.