Esteemed New Mexico State University playwright, screenwriter, director and professor Mark Medoff died Tuesday evening after battling cancer at the age of 79.

Admired among faculty and students, Medoff served NMSU for over 50 years. Medoff was integral to the formation of the Creative Media Institute for Film and Digital Arts, headed the Theatre department for nine years and worked in the English department for 12.

Meddoff, acclaimed in and out of academia, won a Tony award in 1980 for his play, “Children of a Lesser God” and was awarded NMSU’s highest faculty honor, the Westafer Award in 1974.

Chancellor Dan Arvizu commended Medoff in a tweet thread Wednesday morning.

“All of the NMSU community is saddened to learn of the passing of Aggie Legend Mark Medoff. His much lauded work as a playwright, film director and professor, will forever be remembered in our hearts,” Arvizu said. “The impact he made on our university was profound, but we know his legacy will live on through his work and the countless students that he mentored during his time here.

“We send our deepest condolences to his wife Stephanie and the entire Medoff family.”

All of the NMSU community is saddened to learn of the passing of Aggie legend Mark Medoff. His much lauded work as a playwright, film director and professor, will forever be remembered in our hearts.

— Dan Arvizu (@DanEArvizu) April 24, 2019

Neil Patrick Harris, a well-known actor from New Mexico, also expressed his sympathy for Medoff.

“He essentially discovered me, I owe my career to him,” Harris said. 

Playwright Mark Medoff passed away today. He essentially discovered me, I owe my career to him. Wrote Clara’s Heart, championed me for the role. Without him, I’d be nowhere. RIP, Mark. Thank you. Sending love to his amazing family. pic.twitter.com/H6VhNtJzyV

— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) April 24, 2019

Details for Medoff’s service will be released by family shortly.