Arthur Giron, playwright, passed away February 2, after an extended battle with cancer. He was 85. News of his passing was confirmed by Giron's longtime agent, Barbara Hogenson.

Mr. Giron co-wrote the Broadway musical Amazing Grace with Christopher Smith, in addition to writing more than 20 plays spanning the topics of social justice, political corruption, and science.

Mr. Giron received the Los Angeles Critics' Award for Outstanding Achievement in Writing on two separate occasions, as well as the Galileo Prize for Illuminating Scientific Innovation. In addition, he was awarded three commissions from The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation as well as commissions from the Metropolitan Opera Guild and the New York Shakespeare Festival.

A passionate educator, he was the former head of the Graduate Playwriting program at Carnegie-Mellon University and a participant with the Playwrights and Directors Unit of the Actors Studio.

Mr. Giron was a proud Founding Member of Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York, where he lived with his wife, Mariluz Giron, who survives him.

A funeral mass celebrating his life will take place February 19 at 10 AM ET at Holy Trinity Church on 82nd Street in New York. Streaming details are available by calling 212-787-0634.

A memorial celebrating Mr. Giron’s contributions to the theatre will be held in the spring.