Broadway and Hollywood Composer Marc Shaiman Reflects on His Memoir and Career

The Tony and Oscar-nominated artist discusses his nearly 50 years in show business.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Marc Shaiman, the legendary composer behind hit Broadway musicals and Hollywood films, has released a new memoir titled "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner." The book party at the iconic Sardi's restaurant in New York City brought out Shaiman's famous friends like Lin-Manuel Miranda, who praised the composer's work on memorable musical moments. Shaiman, a self-described "ham" who feels most at home behind the piano, reflects on his prolific career scoring movies like "Sleepless in Seattle" and "The American President," as well as the recent tragedy of losing his longtime collaborator Rob Reiner.

Why it matters

As a highly acclaimed and award-winning composer, Shaiman's memoir provides an insider's look at his nearly five decades in the entertainment industry, from his early days as a piano prodigy to his collaborations with legendary figures like Bette Midler and Rob Reiner. His story offers insights into the creative process and challenges of sustaining a successful career in show business.

The details

Shaiman, now 66, left his home in New Jersey at age 16 to pursue his passion for music in New York City. After working as a music director for Bette Midler, he landed a job at "Saturday Night Live" where he co-created the popular "Sweeney Sisters" sketch. His big break came when he was introduced to director Rob Reiner, who hired Shaiman to score over a dozen of his films, including the hit "The American President." Tragically, Reiner and his wife were recently murdered in their home, leaving Shaiman devastated.

  • Shaiman's new memoir "Never Mind the Happy" was released in March 2026.
  • The book party at Sardi's took place a few weeks ago.

The players

Marc Shaiman

A legendary composer who has written music for hit Broadway musicals and Hollywood films, earning Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards as well as multiple Oscar nominations over his nearly 50-year career.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

The creator of the hit musical "Hamilton" who praised Shaiman's work on memorable musical moments, including the Oscar montages he wrote with Billy Crystal.

Rob Reiner

The acclaimed film director who hired Shaiman to score over a dozen of his movies, including the hit "The American President." Reiner and his wife were recently murdered in their home, devastating Shaiman.

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What they’re saying

“I loved Marc before I ever knew him, because I was the species of theater kid that memorized Billy Crystal's musical montages on the Oscars. And many years later, I learned that Marc wrote those with Billy: It's a wonderful night for Oscar, Oscar, Oscar, who will winnnnn?”

— Lin-Manuel Miranda

“I feel at home here, yeah. And onstage. I'm a ham. I feel more at home onstage than really anywhere.”

— Marc Shaiman, Composer

What’s next

Shaiman is continuing to work through the tragedy of losing his longtime collaborator Rob Reiner, but he remains dedicated to his craft and is likely to continue composing music for stage and screen.

The takeaway

Despite the ups and downs of his nearly 50-year career, Marc Shaiman's memoir "Never Mind the Happy" offers an inspiring story of a talented artist who persevered, seized opportunities, and achieved remarkable success in the entertainment industry through his passion for music.