Tom Hanks has led the tributes to Adam Schlesinger, the Fountains of Wayne star who died of coronavirus aged 52.
The actor, who tested positive for the illness weeks ago, worked with the bass player in 1996 when his song was picked as the title track from That Thing You Do!, which Hanks directed.
Schlesinger, who also co-wrote Fountains of Wayne’s biggest song “Stacy’s Mom”, provided backup vocals for the track.
“That Thing You Do!” is the song sung by fictional 1960s band The Wonders. It was nominated for Best Original Song but lost out to Madonna’s “You Must Love Me” from Evita.
Following news of Schlesinger’s death, Hanks wrote on Twitter: “He was a One-der. Lost him to Covid-19. Terribly sad today. Hanx”
He attributed the success of his film and television production company Playtone to the songwriter, adding: “There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his ‘That Thing You Do!’”
A statement from Schlesinger’s family on Tuesday said he was in hospital in New York fighting Covid-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus.
It was Chris Carrabba, from the band Dashboard Confessional, who confirmed his death.
“I am grasping for the right words” he tweeted. “My dear friend Adam Schlesinger has passed away from COVID-19.”
Carrabba added: “I knew him best as a mentor, and a friend. We must take this seriously. People are sick and dying. It is hard to stay locked indoors but lives will be saved. Take care of each other. Rest In Peace, my dear friend.”
Other stars to pay tribute include Crazy Ex-Girlfriend creator Aline Brosh McKenna and singer Nicole Atkins.
