Michael McGrath has died at the age of 65 at his home in Bloomfield, New Jersey.
The actor, who won a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway show Nice Work If You Can Get It, died suddenly on Thursday. A cause of death is yet to be revealed.
Tributes have been pouring in for Michael, with Monty Python actor Eric Idle posting on Twitter: "Very saddened to hear that Michael McGrath our first and most beloved Patsy in Spamalot, has passed away. Warm hugs to all the Spamalot family and very happy memories of a lovely man."
Replying to Eric's comments, one fan wrote: "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear the news, Eric," before sharing their story of watching Michael perform in Spamalot. A second fan said: "Always loved his performances," adding a broken heart emoji.
"Just beyond sad. Such an immensely talented and dear man. May his memory be for a blessing," a third person penned. Michael's publicist confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter.
Taylor Swift seen looking cosy with Matty Healy's mum Denise Welch months agoThe talented actor was best known for his role as Patsy in the musical Spamalot. The show was based on the 1975 film Monty Python and The Holy Grail. Speaking about the production in 2014, Michael told Boston Irish it was "amazing" to star alongside Tim Curry and Mike Nichols in the production.
Michael received a Tony Award nomination in 2005 in the Best Featured Actor in a Musical Category for his work on Spamalot. He went on to win a Tony Award in 2012 for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role in Nice Work If You Can Get It.
The comedy musical was first performed on Broadway in 2012 before being shown in UK theatres in 2018. As well as his roles in Spamalot and Nice Work If You Can Get It, Michael acted in hits such as Born Yesterday and Wonderful Town.
The actor was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and attended the Boston Conservatory. However, he left after just three months to pursue a career in acting. He started his stage career in his hometown before moving to Boston and gaining recognition for his work on the musical comedy Forbidden Broadway.
Actress Toni DuBuono starred alongside Michael in the show, which ran from 1985 to 1989. She went on to marry Michael and they were together for 30 years. Michael is survived by his wife and daughter Kathleen McGrath.