Martin Charnin was born on November 24, 1934, in New York City. He attended The High School of Music & Art and later went on to study at The Cooper Union, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Charnin began his career in the world of theater as an actor, portraying the character Big Deal, a member of the Jets, in the original run of West Side Story. He performed in this role for an impressive 1,000 performances on both Broadway and on tour.
Charnin's big break came when he ventured into the realm of writing and composing. He made a name for himself as a lyricist and conceiver with his work on the classic musical Annie. This Tony Award-winning production cemented his status as a major player in the theater world.
In addition to Annie, Charnin wrote the lyrics for several other plays, including Zenda and Hot Spot in 1963. He also collaborated with legendary actors such as Jack Lemmon, Fred Astaire, and Ethel Merman on the Emmy Award-winning production S'Wonderful, S'Marvelous, S'Gershwin in 1972.
In 2006, Charnin married Shelly Burch, starting a new chapter in his personal life. Despite his busy career in the entertainment industry, he made time for love and family.
Charnin's legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work in musical theater. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring countless performers and creators to follow in his footsteps.
Whether acting on stage or crafting lyrics behind the scenes, Martin Charnin's talent and passion for the arts shone brightly throughout his career. His innovative approach to storytelling and music continues to captivate audiences around the world, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
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