The Tragic Life of Jonathan Larson

Jonathan Larson's life was full of inspiration and tragedy. For this list, we’ll be looking at Larson’s origins and the events leading up to him creating one of the longest running and celebrated Broadway musicals of all time. Our countdown includes early life "Tick, Tick...Boom," "Rent," and more! What's YOUR favorite Jonathan Larson song? Let us know in the comments!

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[imthegabrielleg]

Johnathan Larson is one of those people you think “if only” if only he had more time. What other inspirational works might he have made. He truly is a part of musical theatre history.

[aleks-]

I just finished Tick Tick Boom and I'm ironically reminded of the line from Hamilton "why do you write like you're running out of time." 😭

[trinaq]

It's a shame that Jonathan didn't get to live long enough to see Rent become an absolute hit. Rest in peace, Jon, you were gone far too soon, though thank you for sharing your fabulous stories with us! 😇🥰

[RubenMG]

The pressure of age is real. I'm 26 years old on my final year at theatre school. I feel old most of the times being in school with most of 17 year old kids. After watching Tick Tick Boom Jonathan Larson taught me to not quit. Thank you Jon you were taken away too soon.

[gracenall]

I wouldn’t call his life tragic. He lived his life doing exactly what he wanted to do!

[tiffanylarson]

I dislike the title of this video. He had an amazing life. His death was tragic, but not his life. He did more than any of twice his age will ever do. He changed the way we think about musical theater, he changed the way we think about AIDS. His work is immortal.

[fromedia_]

I watched the movie without even know who is Jonathan Larson and I thought its just a fictional movie before... OMG.. what an amazing story. Rest in peace..

[portiakluchesky]

I’m sitting here, alone, on a Monday morning at 11, bawling my eyes out over someone that not nearly enough people know. He changed the face of Broadway forever, and I hope that one day I will be able to make a fraction of the impact he did on so many lives. We love you forever, Jonathan Larson.

[LordGzzz]

I was a 16 yr old black kid from Brooklyn who never even explored Manhattan. And my theater teacher Ms.Sanservaro showed us the movie, then took us on a trip to see RENT. It was my first play. I'm 31 and still listen to the soundtrack and love theater. Thank you Ms.S and thank you Jonathan. Both of them helped me grow as a human

[dantecrossroad]

They say the brightest candles burn out the fastest. Larson did exactly what he set out to do, and I like to think he is smiling down on his achievement. It's depressing to think that most of us will never do a tenth of what he did, but then, that's what makes it accomplishments so special. RIP Jonanthan Larson. And thank you.

[deenadallas]

If Jonathan Larson was still alive today, he would be very proud of Lin Manuel Miranda's latest masterpiece based on Jon's work.
We will honor your memory, Mr. Larson.

[nickplamann]

Jonathan Larson, Freddie Mercury, and Kurt Cobain; three artists I often wonder what more they would've given the world had the been around much longer...

[GamingSaturnMoonManBoy]

Tick Tick Boom means a lot to me personally because Rent is my favorite musical of all time and recently I was in a production of Rent over the summer. So I really loved this movie and I really hope Andrew Garfield gets an Oscar nomination for this

[JulieDelahooke]

Think of what would we have in this musical world if he hadn’t passed. He was a real superstar. And I have to give Andrew Garfield props for doing such a wonderful portrayal!

[paulat]

last twenty minutes of the movie had me sobbing my eyes out, truly a great masterpiece. lin manuel miranda and the cast did a really good job portraying the rawness and the struggle of being an aspiring musician. 10/10 would watch again when i'm mentally stable.

[kungatsering]

Andrew you nailed it, it would be unfair, if Andrew wouldn't gets his Oscar this time... Love you Andrew ❤️

[pascalswager]

Cried like a baby at the end of tick, tick boom. Most of My Family has Marfan's syndrome, I just had My second aortic replacement, very lucky to be here. My Son (also has marfan's) is an amazing guitarist and just released his first album this week at 22y/o, this hit close to home, Jonathan's work is amazing! If only ey.

[LazySusan.]

I never really thought much about Andrew Garfield. I did see the original cast of Rent in 96, thought it was great but wasn't obsessed with it like a lot of my theater friends. However, I did know a lot about Johnathan Larson. When I saw Tick tick boom I started to think about Garfield and his performance. I can't think of another role in which someone was required to be a triple threat but ALSO portray a real person. Not only that-- a beloved man by millions. He hit the ball out of the park.

[kristenannmosley]

I hope that someday someone will find his notes for “Superbia” and actually make it come to fruition for Jonathan. Maybe Lin Manuel. If anyone can he can do it for him

[GeekMastahRick]

Tick, Tick Boom is very prophetic. He touches on the fact that he feels like he is running out of time throughout that musical.