At the time of his death, McGrath was performing Off-Broadway in a solo autobiographical show called “Everything’s Fine,” directed by John Lithgow at the Daryl Roth Theatre. He died in his Manhattan office from a heart attack, and it was announced by producers of the show.

“The company of ‘Everything’s Fine’ was honored to have presented his solo autobiographical show,” the producers said in a statement. “Everyone who worked with him over the last three months of production was struck by his grace, charm, and droll sense of humor, and sends deepest condolences to his family.”

McGrath began his career on “Saturday Night Live” in 1980 before going on to star in many plays. Besides “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which ran on Broadway from 2013-2019, he also starred in “plays such as “Checkers” and “The Age of Innocence.” Additionally, he appeared in, as well as wrote and directed, films such as “Emma” starring Gwyneth Paltrow, “Nicholas Nickleby” starring Charlie Hunnam, and “Infamous,” starring Toby Jones.

In addition to all of his accomplishments, McGrath also earned two Emmy Awards nominations for his work directing two HBO documentaries: “His Way” and “Becoming Mike Nichols.”

When word got out about the horrible news, people who worked with him throughout his career wrote tributes on social media.

“Doug was smart, funny, talented, kind, a great friend, and a wonderful storyteller who leaves a legacy of love and laughter,” King wrote on Instagram.

“We’ve lost Doug McGrath. Words can’t express our grief and shock,” John Lithgow tweeted.

“A heartbreaking loss. Douglas was the person you’d most like to have dinner with: charming, kind, funny, a born raconteur. My love to Jane & Henry, & to all those who loved & admired him. I include myself in that vast number,” Singer Roseanne Cash wrote on Twitter.

“DG mourns the loss of playwright/librettist/screenwriter Douglas McGrath. A member of the Guild since 2014, he was perhaps best known in theatre as the bookwriter of the award-winning ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.’ May his memory be a blessing,” wrote the Dramatists Guild also paid tribute.

McGrath was survived by his wife, Jane Read Martin, and his son Henry McGrath.