William F. Brown, Tony-nominated playwright of ‘The Wiz,’ dies at 91

William F. Brown, an author and illustrator who was best known for writing the book of the Tony Award-winning 1975 musical “The Wiz,” died June 23 at a hospital in Norwalk, Conn. He was 91.

A granddaughter, Sara Fitzpatrick, confirmed the death but did not cite a precise cause.

Mr. Brown began his career producing advertising for television before branching out as a freelance writer, playwright and, for several years, the co-creator of a syndicated comic strip.