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Jeffrey Lane, ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Co-Writer, Dies 71

5/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jeffrey Lane died on May 20, 2026, in New York at age 71.
He began in 1977 as a production assistant on ABC’s Ryan’s Hope and later wrote for the series.
In 2004 he co-wrote the musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with David Yazbek, earning Tony nominations.
He is survived by siblings Michael, Eric and Lisa, nieces and nephews.
His family requests donations to World Central Kitchen and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

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Story summary

Jeffrey Lane died on May 20, 2026, in New York at age 71.
He began in 1977 as a production assistant on ABC’s Ryan’s Hope and later wrote for the series.
In 2004 he co-wrote the musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with David Yazbek, earning Tony nominations.
He is survived by siblings Michael, Eric and Lisa, nieces and nephews.
His family requests donations to World Central Kitchen and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.