Tony Award-winning Broadway actor Michael McGrath who starred in Spamalot dies suddenly aged 65 at his New Jersey home

Tony Award-winning Broadway star Michael McGrath has died suddenly at the age of 65.

The Broadway veteran died Thursday at his home in Bloomfield, New Jersey.

Although the cause of death has yet to be confirmed, his publicist said Variety that it was ‘sudden’.

With more than fifteen credits to his name, the actor was best known for his role as Patsy in the musical Spamalot, based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975).

In 2012, he won a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his work in the musical “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” in which he played the role of Cookie McGee.

Speaking to the Boston Irish about the 2014 production, he said it was “amazing” to play alongside Mike Nichols and Tim Curry.

In addition to being nominated for another Tony Award, he was also a three-time Drama Desk Award nominee, Theater World Award nominee, and Outer Critics Circle nominee.

His first Tony Award nomination was in 2005 for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical category for his role in Spamalot – he was the first actor to play Patsy, King Arthur’s sidekick.

Other notable works in his career include the role of Mr. Simmons in the 2009 Broadway show “Memphis” and the role of Stan Fields in 2018’s “Tootsie.”

He also appeared as Ralph Kramden in the stage adaptation of the sitcom ‘The Romantic People’ in 2017.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media since news of his death emerged.

Monty Python’s Eric Idle paid tribute to the actor on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing: ‘Very saddened to hear that Michael McGrath, our first and most beloved Patsy in Spamalot, has passed away.

‘Warm hugs to the entire Spamalot family and very happy memories of a sweet man.’

With more than fifteen credits to his name, the actor was best known for his role as Patsy in the musical Spamalot, based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975).

Condolences are also pouring in from the actor’s fans, with one writing: “I’m going to see Spamalot on Broadway in November.”

“A new run where they sold out the Kennedy Center. Genius ingenuity is certainly his legacy and immortality.’

Another added: ‘Just beyond sad. Such an immensely talented and dear man. May his memory be a blessing.”

McGrath also had roles on the small screen, including as Martin Short’s sidekick announcer on the Martin Short Show.

He has appeared in films such as Changing Lines and The Interpreter, and also has voice credits for animated films including Wolfwalkers and The Secret Kells.

The Broadway legend’s career began in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he grew up.

McGrath attended the Boston Conservatory to pursue performing arts, but he left for three months to pursue his acting career.

After moving to Boston, he appeared in the attention-grabbing musical comedy “Forbidden Broadway” from 1985 to 1989.

His first Broadway credit was for “My Favorite Year” in 1992, a Joseph Dougherty musical based on the 1982 film of the same name.