Sylvia Fine was a talented and influential figure in the American musical comedy scene. She was best known for her collaborations with her husband, the comedian and actor Danny Kaye, for whom she wrote many songs and produced many films and shows. She was also a Peabody Award winner and an Oscar and Emmy nominee. But what was the cause of her death, and how did it affect her legacy?
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The Life and Career of Sylvia Fine
Sylvia Fine was born on August 29, 1913, in New York City, to a Jewish dentist and his wife. She grew up in East New York, Brooklyn, where she developed a passion for music and theater. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School and Brooklyn College, where she studied music and wrote the school’s alma mater. [according to Wikipedia]
She met Danny Kaye in 1939, when they were both working on a Broadway show called The Straw Hat Revue. They discovered that they had some things in common, such as being born in Brooklyn and having worked for Fine’s father. Kaye had been fired by Dr. Fine for using his dental drills for woodworking. Kaye proposed to Fine over the phone, and they got married in 1940. [according to Wikipedia]
Fine took an active role in managing Kaye’s career and wrote many of his songs for him, both in film and recordings. Some of her famous compositions include “The Inspector General”, “The Court Jester”, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, and “Hans Christian Andersen”. She also co-wrote songs with other lyricists, such as Sammy Cahn and Ira Gershwin. She was an associate producer of some of Kaye’s films, such as “Knock on Wood” and “Merry Andrew”. [according to Wikipedia]
Fine received a Peabody Award in 1980 for her PBS program Musical Comedy Tonight, which she produced and narrated. She also received two Oscar nominations for co-writing the screenplay for “Lovers and Other Strangers” (1970) and for writing the original song “An Old-Fashioned Wedding” for “The Belle of New York” (1952). She was also nominated for two Emmys for producing “Danny Kaye: Look in at the Metropolitan Opera” (1975) and for writing “Danny Kaye’s Look-In at the World” (1967). [according to Wikipedia]
Fine also taught musical comedy at the University of Southern California and Yale University. She was working on a book about her life with Kaye, titled Fine and Danny, when she died. [according to Wikipedia]
The Cause of Death of Sylvia Fine
Sylvia Fine died of emphysema on October 28, 1991, at the age of 78, in her Manhattan apartment. Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. It is usually caused by smoking or exposure to air pollution or other irritants. Emphysema can lead to complications such as heart failure, pneumonia, or respiratory failure. [according to Mayo Clinic]
Fine had been suffering from emphysema for several years before her death. She had quit smoking in 1978, but the damage to her lungs was irreversible. She had also lost her husband, Danny Kaye, in 1987, due to heart failure. They had been married for 47 years and had one daughter, Dena. [according to Wikipedia]
Fine’s death was mourned by many fans and friends who admired her work and personality. She was remembered as a brilliant lyricist, producer, teacher, and humanitarian who contributed greatly to the American musical comedy tradition. She was buried with her husband at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. [according to Wikipedia]
The Legacy of Sylvia Fine
Sylvia Fine left behind a rich legacy of songs, films, shows, awards, and books that showcase her talent and creativity. Her songs are still performed by singers and actors who appreciate their humor, wit, and charm. Her films are still enjoyed by audiences who love their stories, characters, and music. Her shows are still studied by students who learn from her insights into the history and craft of musical comedy. Her awards are still displayed by institutions that honor her achievements and contributions. Her books are still awaited by readers who want to know more about her life and career.
Sylvia Fine was a remarkable woman who made a lasting impact on the world of entertainment and culture. She was not only Danny Kaye’s partner in life and work, but also his muse and inspiration. She was not only a successful artist in her own right, but also a generous mentor and supporter of others. She was not only a victim of a deadly disease, but also a fighter and a survivor. She was Sylvia Fine, the brilliant lyricist and producer, who died of emphysema, but lived a full and meaningful life.
