Jonathan Larson, an award-winning composer, lyricist, and playwright, died on January 25, 1996 at the age of 35. He was best known for the Broadway musical Rent, which won the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical. He was also the recipient of three Drama Desk Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards, and two Outer Critics Circle Awards. Larson's breakthrough musical received a number of additional honors, including the 2012 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. Over the course of his career, he wrote music and lyrics for numerous musicals and plays. His works have been performed around the world. His accomplishments include a contemporary musical approach that combined elements of rock, pop, and hip-hop music. His songs and lyrics often contained social and political commentary. Larson's death was sudden and unexpected, and his family and friends mourn his loss.