Hamilton lighting designer Howell Binkley has died

Binkley won a Tony Award, a WhatsOnStage Award and an Olivier Award for his lighting design on the powerhouse musical Hamilton, with his work recently being put in front of millions when the show was released on Disney Plus last month.

Hamilton wasn't Binkley's first stage musical with Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, the pair previously collaborated on In the Heights, while the lighting designer has other credits including Kiss of The Spider Woman, Parade, The Full Monty, and Jersey Boys (Binkley won a further Tony Award for the last of these).

The creative was also responsible for the lighting design for Come From Away, which recently won the Best New Musical award at the 20th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards.

Tributes to Binkley have been submitted online:

Howell and my dad hanging out at my 40th. What a sweet man. A sweet friend. So sad, but so happy to have known you. Rest In Peace Howell. #howellBinkley pic.twitter.com/Yvy2l25DET

A big light just went out on broadway and the West end take a bow Howell Binkley #ripHowellBinkley @wecomefromaway @ComeFromAwayUK @comefromawayto @ComeFromAwayAU

RIP to the great lighting designer Howell Binkley. He illuminated so many theatrical worlds. A genius and a gentleman. #HowellBinkley

Howell Binkley was a genius and a kind man.

I'm incredibly sad to learn that my friend and iconic lighting designer #HowellBinkley has passed away. His talent was a gift to our community. My constant cheerleader during @DonnaSummerBway despite being in a raging battle w/ lung cancer.

Howell Binkley. pic.twitter.com/r59dhNhbfH