Larry Shue, an emerging talent in the realm of comic playwriting, saw his burgeoning career tragically halted by a plane crash that claimed his life at thirty-nine. Though he possessed an impressive command over the craft, Shue had yet to demonstrate whether his comedic prowess could transcend mere entertainment and evolve into a refined comic artistry.

Born on July 23, 1946, amidst the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, Louisiana, Shue was raised in the heartlands of Kansas and Illinois. Even as a child, his love for theater was evident; at just ten, he transformed his family garage into a makeshift theatre, inviting audiences for a penny to witness his plays. His passion for drama followed him through high school and into Illinois Wesleyan University, from which he graduated in 1968 with a B.F.A. in theatre. During his university years, Shue penned two plays that graced the university stage, marking the beginning of his professional journey as an actor.

After serving in the entertainment division of the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1972, Shue resumed his thespian pursuits with the Harlequin Dinner Theatres in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia. His talent shone brightly, earning him two acting accolades in Atlanta in 1977.

In 1977, Shue joined the esteemed Milwaukee Repertory Theatre in Wisconsin. Two years into his tenure, his one-act play, Grandma Duck Is Dead (1979), marked the inception of his mature playwriting phase. Shue was appointed as Playwright in Residence for Milwaukee Rep in 1979, a role that gave rise to some of his most celebrated full-length plays. These included his renowned works—The Nerd (1981) and The Foreigner (1983)—as well as the poignant drama Wenceslas Square (1984). Shue’s acting repertoire also expanded with performances at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in California, cameos in films, and a role on the iconic television soap opera One Life to Live.

On September 23, 1985, the world lost Shue when a commuter plane, bound for Shenandoah Valley airport, crashed into Hall Mountain near Weyer's Cave, Virginia, claiming the lives of all fourteen aboard. At the time of his death, Shue's star was ascending rapidly. The Nerd had captivated audiences in London, The Foreigner continued to enchant New York, and Disney had enlisted him to adapt the latter into a screenplay. He was also crafting a comedy series for CBS and had been tasked with writing the script for a Broadway musical based on the beloved series The Honeymooners. Moreover, he stood on the cusp of making his Broadway acting debut in The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

There is a strong sentiment among his admirers that Shue, had he lived longer, might have created an even more remarkable legacy of both serious and comic drama. In the Chicago Tribune, Richard Christiansen reflected on Shue's untimely passing, noting that his "career was building to a level of international fame" at the time of his tragic demise.