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Playwright Heide, 91, Dies; Remembered for Iconic LGBT Work

1/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Playwright Heide, 91, died from dementia complications at a Manhattan nursing home, confirmed by his spouse John Gilman.
Heide gained recognition for the 1965 play The Bed, which depicted a homosexual relationship.
Andy Warhol restaged Heide's work in the film Chelsea Girls.
He lived in the same rent-controlled Christopher Street apartment for more than 60 years and was celebrated for his vibrant memories of downtown Manhattan's bohemia.

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Story summary

Playwright Heide, 91, died from dementia complications at a Manhattan nursing home, confirmed by his spouse John Gilman.
Heide gained recognition for the 1965 play The Bed, which depicted a homosexual relationship.
Andy Warhol restaged Heide's work in the film Chelsea Girls.
He lived in the same rent-controlled Christopher Street apartment for more than 60 years and was celebrated for his vibrant memories of downtown Manhattan's bohemia.