Sheldon Harnick (April 30, 1925 – June 23, 2023) was an American lyricist and librettist best known for his collaborations with composer Jerry Bock. Together they created several successful Broadway musicals, most famously Fiddler on the Roof (1964), which earned Harnick a Tony Award for Best Author of a Musical. Their earlier works included The Apple Tree (1961) and She Loves Me (1963).
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Harnick served in the United States Army during World War II before attending the University of Chicago, where he earned a degree in philosophy. He began his career as a lyricist in the 1950s, writing songs for television and radio before transitioning to theatre. His partnership with Bock began after meeting at a party in 1954, leading to a decade of collaborative productions.
In addition to his Broadway achievements, Harnick contributed lyrics to the film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof (1971), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. He was also honored with a Grammy Award for the cast recording of Fiddler on the Roof and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2004.
Harnick continued to work in musical theatre and education later in life, serving as a mentor and lecturer at various institutions. He passed away in New York City at the age of 98.
