Joel Paley

Joel Paley (October 6, 1955 – January 11, 2025) was an American theatre director, lyricist and playwright.^[3] He was perhaps best known for co-creating the all-female musical Ruthless! with his creative partner and later husband Marvin Laird.^[4]

Joel Paley
Born	(1955-10-06)October 6, 1955 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	January 11, 2025(2025-01-11) (aged 69) Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Director, lyricist, playwright
Spouse	Marvin Laird ​ ​ (m. 2015; died. 2024)​ [1][2]

In 1993, he won a Drama Desk Award and was nominated for one more in the categories Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Director of a Musical for the play Ruthless!.^[1][5]

Paley died in Milford, Connecticut, on January 11, 2025, at the age of 69.^[6][7]