Two-time Tony-winning costume designer Martin Pakledinaz, who created costumes for the Children's Theatre production of "A Year with Frog and Toad" and the Guthrie Theater's "Uncle Vanya," has died in New York of cancer, according to updates on his Facebook page.
His assistant, Valerie Marcus Ramshur, posted that Pakledinaz, 58, died Sunday at 7:26 a.m. "surrounded by family and friends."
Michigan-born and Wayne State University-educated, Pakledinaz had a three-decade career doing costumes for theater, opera and dance. He won Tonies for "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and "Kiss Me Kate."
He also designed costumes for the revival of "Anything Goes" and "Nice Work If You Can Get It," both currently playing on Broadway, as well as the national tour of "The Normal Heart."
There has been a national outpouring of support for him on social media. "Standing in the fitting room with him as he tweaked every tiny detail of this dress to make it the perfect work of art that ended up on stage was unbelievable and awe inspiring," wrote actor Cara Massey, who starred in a Pakledinaz-designed "Oklahoma" at Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage. "Such a brilliant talent and true friend will be missed."
On June 13, Pakledinaz updated his Facebook status: "Retirement !!! Looking forward to slowing down this summer," he wrote. "Time with friends and family, a few lingering projects to fill the days."
