Howard Ashman (b. May 3, 1950, Baltimore, Maryland – d. March 14, 1991), born Howard Elliott Ashman, was an American playwright and movie music lyricist. He collaborated with Alan Menken on several films, notably animated features for Disney, Ashman writing the lyrics and Menken composing the scores. Menken and Ashman also collaborated on Little Shop of Horrors with Ashman as director, lyricist, and librettist. Along with Menken, Ashman was the co-recipient of two Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes and two Oscars.