GLENDALE (CelebrityAccess) – Adam Epstein, the renowned political pundit and Broadway producer behind Hairspray, passed away on August 13 at the age of 49 after battling brain cancer.
Born September 7, 1974, in Miami Beach, Florida, Epstein showed an early passion for the performing arts, starring in school productions like The Wiz and Jesus Christ Superstar at Miami Country Day School. He pursued his academic interests in politics at New York University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in political science. While at NYU, he interned for congressman Peter Deutsch, senator Bob Graham, and mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Epstein’s Broadway career began as an intern and casting assistant. In 1997, he worked as a production associate for The Life, a musical that received multiple Tony nominations. His breakthrough came just a year later when, at 28, he co-produced Hairspray. The show was a major hit, earning 13 Tony nominations and winning eight awards, including Best Musical.
Choreographer Jerry Mitchell recalled, “Epstein was the youngest producer I had ever worked with when we met on Hairspray. I will always be grateful for his support, encouragement, and care for all of us.”
In a 2003 interview with Roll Call, Epstein said of Hairspray, “It hits a chord. Its themes of diversity, acceptance, and a celebration of the fact that anyone can overcome and win is so resonately American, and I think that’s hitting home in a post-9/11 world.” That same year, he hosted a fundraiser for Senator John Edwards’ presidential campaign, raising around $130,000.
Over the next decade, Epstein produced several successful Broadway shows, including revivals of A View from the Bridge, Amadeus, and The Crucible. He also produced the musicals The Wedding Singer and Cry-Baby, both of which received Tony nominations.
Beyond Broadway, Epstein was known for his political commentary, including work as a Fox News pundit. He also hosted the podcast Dirty Moderate with Adam Epstein until his health declined.
Epstein is survived by his parents, Bonnie Cypen Epstein and Dr. Marc Epstein; his siblings, Brett and Logan Epstein; and his nieces and nephew.
A memorial service will be held at Levitt-Weinstein-Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel in North Miami Beach, followed by interment at Mt. Nebo/Miami. In place of flowers, donations can be made to Dr. Timothy Cloughesy’s Glioblastoma Multiforme research fund at UCLA.
Reflecting on their time together, John Waters said, “Together, Epstein and I had a hit, Hairspray, and a flop, Cry-Baby, and his enthusiasm for each was exactly the same. A cheerleader for his productions like no other.”
R”P.
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