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Tom Hanks Leads Tributes To Fountains Of Wayne Star Adam Schlesinger Who Has Died After Coronavirus Diagnosis

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Tom Hanks has led the tributes to Fountains Of Wayne star Adam Schlesinger, who has died at the age of 52 after contracting coronavirus.

The Emmy and Grammy Award-winning musician, also known for writing songs for the TV show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, died in New York on Wednesday.

Adam Schlesinger
Adam Schlesinger

A statement from his family on Tuesday said he was in hospital in New York fighting Covid-19, the illness caused by coronavirus.

They said that Adam – the bassist with rock band Fountains Of Wayne who are best known for the hit Stacy’s Mom – had been sedated and was on a ventilator.

Tom Hanks, who worked with Adam on musical comedy That Thing You Do!, was among the first to pay tribute after news of his death broke.

The Hollywood star, who has battled Covid-19 himself, said he would not have launched his Playtone record label and production company without Adam’s help.

Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks

He tweeted: “There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his That Thing You Do!

“He was a One-der. Lost him to Covid-19. Terribly sad today. Hanx.”

Adam earned an Oscar nomination in 1997 for writing the title track on That Thing You Do!, which was directed by Tom.

One of the stars of the film, Ethan Embry, recalled being seated in a room with Hanks and actress Liv Tyler listening to songs being considered for the film.

“When we heard Adam Schlesinger’s cassette it was instantly clear which track we would need to learn,” he said.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend co-creator...

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