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Neil Simon

Birth Place: Bronx, NY, USA

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Neil Simon BIO

Neil Simon was an American playwright, screenwriter, and author who was born on July 4, 1927, in The Bronx, New York City. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful and prolific playwrights in American history, with a career that spanned over five decades. Simon's work often focused on the trials and tribulations of middle-class life, and his plays were known for their wit, humor, and insight.



Simon began his career as a comedy writer in the 1940s, working on radio and television shows. He made his Broadway debut in 1961 with the play "Come Blow Your Horn," which was a commercial success and ran for over a year. This was followed by a string of successful plays, including "Barefoot in the Park," "The Odd Couple," "Sweet Charity," and "Plaza Suite."

"The Odd Couple," which premiered on Broadway in 1965, is perhaps Simon's most famous play. It tells the story of two mismatched roommates, Felix Ungar and Oscar Madison, and their hilarious attempts to live together. The play was a huge commercial success and was later adapted into a hit movie and a popular television series.

Simon's success on Broadway earned him numerous awards and accolades, including four Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play "Lost in Yonkers." He was also inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1983.

In addition to his work on Broadway, Simon also wrote for film and television. He wrote the screenplays for several successful movies, including "The Goodbye Girl," "The Heartbreak Kid," and "Biloxi Blues." He also wrote for television, creating the popular sitcom "The Odd Couple" and writing for shows such as "Your Show of Shows" and "The Phil Silvers Show."

Despite his success, Simon's personal life was marked by tragedy. He was married five times, and his second wife, actress Joan Baim, died by suicide in 1973. Simon wrote about his experiences in his play "Chapter Two," which premiered on Broadway in 1977.

Simon continued to write and produce plays well into his later years. His last Broadway production, "Rose's Dilemma," premiered in 2003. Simon passed away on August 26, 2018, at the age of 91. His legacy as one of the greatest American playwrights of all time lives on through his work, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

In conclusion, Neil Simon was a prolific and successful playwright, screenwriter, and author who left an indelible mark on American culture. His plays were known for their wit, humor, and insight into the trials and tribulations of middle-class life. He won numerous awards and accolades for his work, including four Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Despite personal tragedy, Simon continued to write and produce plays well into his later years, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

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Neil Simon Productions

 
[West End, 2024]
Writer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Adaptation
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Theatre Owner / Operator

Writing

Playwright
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Sketches
Bookwriter
Sketches
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Neil Simon Movies

Come Blow Your Horn
[ 1963 ] writer
After the Fox
[ 1966 ] writer
Barefoot in the Park
[ 1967 ] writer
The Out of Towners
[ 1970 ] writer
Star Spangled Girl
[ 1971 ] writer
Plaza Suite
[ 1971 ] writer
Last of the Red Hot Lovers
[ 1972 ] writer
The Heartbreak Kid
[ 1972 ] writer
The Prisoner of Second Avenue
[ 1975 ] writer
The Sunshine Boys
[ 1975 ] writer
Murder by Death
[ 1976 ] writer
The Goodbye Girl
[ 1977 ] writer
The Cheap Detective
[ 1978 ] writer
California Suite
[ 1978 ] writer
Chapter Two
[ 1979 ] writer
Seems Like Old Times
[ 1980 ] writer
Only When I Laugh
[ 1981 ] producer
I Ought to Be in Pictures
[ 1982 ] producer
Max Dugan Returns
[ 1983 ] producer
The Slugger's Wife
[ 1985 ] writer
Brighton Beach Memoirs
[ 1986 ] writer
Biloxi Blues
[ 1988 ] writer
The Marrying Man
[ 1991 ] writer
The Odd Couple II
[ 1998 ] producer

Neil Simon Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 1997 - Best Comedy

Neil SimonLaughter On The 23rd Floor

Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Comedy

Neil SimonLost In Yonkers

Drama Desk Awards - 1991 - Outstanding New Play

Neil Simon, Lost in Yonkers


winner
Drama League Awards - 1991 - Unique Contribution to the Theatre

Neil Simon


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1991 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Neil Simon, Lost in Yonkers


winner
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Lost in Yonkers

The Pulitzer Prize - 1987 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Neil Simon, Broadway Bound

Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Broadway Bound

Drama Desk Awards - 1985 - Outstanding Play

Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1985 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues


winner
Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Play

Neil Simon, Brighton Beach Memoirs


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1983 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Brighton Beach Memoirs

Olivier Awards - 1980 - Musical of the Year

Neil Simon, They're Playing Our Song

Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Music

Neil Simon, They're Playing Our Song

Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Book of a Musical

Neil Simon, They're Playing Our Song

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Chapter Two

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Play

Neil Simon, The Sunshine Boys

Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Play

Neil Simon, The Prisoner of Second Avenue

Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Last of the Red Hot Lovers

Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Plaza Suite

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1965 - Best Play

Neil Simon, The Odd Couple


winner
Tony Awards - 1965 - Best Play

Neil Simon , The Odd Couple

Tony Awards - 1965 - Best Play

Neil Simon, The Odd Couple

Tony Awards - 1964 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Barefoot in the Park

Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Musical

Neil Simon, Little Me

Neil Simon Videos

Neil Simon News


The Little Theatre Of Winston-Salem to Present RIPCORD This Month


Join The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem for the presentation of RIPCORD, a play by David Lindsay-Abaire. Performances will be held at the Hanesbrands Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets!

EXTREME ACTS Comes to the Marsh This Weekend


 The world premiere of Extreme Acts by award-winning playwright Lynne Kaufman, which was originally announced as a two-play production at The Marsh San Francisco has now been updated to a 60-minute standalone performance.

Photos: Theatre Breaking Though Barrier's I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES Celebrates Opening Night


Theater Breaking Through Barriers is presenting the Off-Broadway debut of Neil Simon's brilliant 1980 Tony Award-winning play, I Ought To Be In Pictures, directed by Nicholas Viselli. Go inside opening night in the photos from the big night.

Nikki Renée Daniels, Beth Malone & More to Star in Pittsburgh CLO's Summer Musicals


Pittsburgh CLO's 2024 Summer of Musicals at the Benedum Center will be highlighted by Broadway and TV stars, as well as beloved Pittsburgh favorites. See who is starring and learn about the programming!

Photos: NYC Mayor's Chief Advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin Visits MJ THE MUSICAL


Ingrid Lewis-Martin, NYC Mayor’s Chief Advisor, visited the cast of MJ on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre this weekend. Check out photos here!

Video: Netflix Releases Trailer for Kevin Hart's Mark Twain Prize


Netflix has released a trailer for the 25th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor honoring Kevin Hart, which will premiere on Netflix on May 11th during Netflix is a Joke Fest. The ceremony, which was filmed at the Kennedy Center on March 24th, featured a star-studded list of talent including Dave Burd AKA “Lil Dicky,” Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Chelsea Handler, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, J.B. Smoove, Robin Thicke and more. 

Final Sydney Performances of THE ODD COUPLE in Sydney Now on Sale


Rehearsals are underway for Neil Simon’s classic comedy The Odd Couple which will open at the Theatre Royal Sydney from 27 June following a season at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 18 May and.

Solofest Award-Winner MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW I'M KINKY Announced At 2024 HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL


Discover the 2024 Hollywood Fringe Festival's SoloFest Award-winning show, MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW I'M KINKY.

O'Neill Theater Center Chairman Tom Viertel to Step Down


Tom Viertel, who has been a member of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center board for nearly three decades and its Chairman since 2000, will step down from his role at the end of the O'Neill's 2024 season in August. Learn more.

Conoce al reparto de TOCANDO NUESTRA CANCI�"N


El próximo musical dirigido por Antonio Banderas y producido por el Teatro del Soho CaixaBank, estará protagonizado por Miquel Fernández y María Adamuz.

Review: THE ODD COUPLE-FEMALE VERSION at Women's Theatre Collective


When we hear The Odd Couple, most people imagine the 1970s television series starring Walter Matthau and Art Carney. What some might not know was that it originated as a Neil Simon play on Broadway in 1965. After the success of the film and television versions, Simon adapted the play in 1985 to feature two female roommates, Florence Ungar and Olive Madison. Women’s Theatre Collective brings this play, The Odd Couple – Female Version, to the Ooley Theatre through May 5th.

Beck Center Reveals 2024/25 Season Lineup; WAITRESS, A CHORUS LINE, and More!


Beck Center for the Arts has announced its 2024-2025 Professional Theater Season, the 91st season which includes Tony Award Winners, comedies, dramas, musicals, and another collaboration with Baldwin Wallace University Musical Theatre program.   Learn more about the lineup here!

ANNIE North American Tour to Play Portland's Keller Auditorium


Broadway in Portland will present the all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE will play Keller Auditorium. Learn how to purchase tickets.

LUNENBURG Begins Performances This May At The Public Theatre!


The Public Theatre presents the anticipated U.S. premiere of Lunenburg playing at Lewiston/Auburn's professional theatre, May 3 – 12.

Interview: Jessa Blackthorne of DISASTER! THE MUSICAL at West Hudson Arts & Theatre Company


BroadwayWorld sat down with Director Jessa Blackthorne to discuss DISASTER! THE MUSICAL at West Hudson Arts & Theatre Company.

Bernadette Peters to Be Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards


Multi-Award winning actress Bernadette Peters will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards. It was also announced that Tony, Oscar, and Golden Globe Award Winner Joel Grey will present Bernadette with her Award. The 2024 Chita Rivera Awards will take place on Monday, May 20 at 7:30pm at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place).

Broadway Star Bernadette Peters Takes the Stage At Westport Country Playhouse In May


Join Broadway legend Bernadette Peters for an unforgettable night at the Westport Country Playhouse on May 19. Don't miss this special performance by one of Broadway's finest talents.

Joanna Pickering's One-Woman Show LAUGHING IN THE DARK and New Play Secure Development Deal and Stage Run With Broadway Producers


Joanna Pickering's brand-new plays have found development success and plans for staged runs commencing in fall 2024 to 2025.

Final Melbourne Performances on Sale For THE ODD COUPLE


Rehearsals are underway for Neil Simon’s classic comedy The Odd Couple which will open at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 18 May and the Theatre Royal Sydney from 27 June. Due to huge demand, extra Melbourne performances have been scheduled up until 23 June, on presale now and on sale from tomorrow.

LUNENBERG Begins Performances At The Public Theatre This May


The Public Theatre will present the U.S. premiere of Lunenburg, running May 3 – 12.

Neil Simon FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Neil Simon written?

Neil Simon has written 37 shows including Catch a Star (Sketches), Joy Ride (Sketches), Come Blow Your Horn (Playwright), Little Me (Bookwriter), Sweet Charity (Bookwriter), The Star-Spangled Girl (Playwright), Plaza Suite (Playwright), Promises, Promises (Bookwriter), Last of the Red Hot Lovers (Playwright), The Gingerbread Lady (Playwright), The Prisoner of Second Avenue (Playwright), The Sunshine Boys (Playwright), The Good Doctor (Playwright), God's Favorite (Playwright), California Suite (Playwright), Chapter Two (Playwright), They're Playing Our Song (Bookwriter), I Ought to Be in Pictures (Playwright), Fools (Playwright), Brighton Beach Memoirs (Playwright), Biloxi Blues (Playwright), Broadway Bound (Playwright), Rumors (Playwright), I Ought to Be in Pictures (Playwright), Lost in Yonkers (Playwright), Jake's Women (Playwright), Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Playwright), London Suite (Playwright), The Goodbye Girl (Bookwriter), Proposals (Playwright), Hotel Suite (Playwright), The Dinner Party (Playwright), 45 Seconds From Broadway (Playwright), Rose's Dilemma (Playwright), The Odd Couple (Playwright), Barefoot in the Park (Playwright), The Neil Simon Plays (Playwright).

What awards has Neil Simon been nominated for?

Neil Simon has been nominated for numerous awards throughout his career, including Best Comedy at the Olivier Awards for "Laughter On The 23rd Floor" and "Lost In Yonkers." He was also nominated for Outstanding New Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Lost in Yonkers," and received The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for both "Lost in Yonkers" and "Broadway Bound." Simon's nominations also include Best Play at the Tony Awards for various productions such as "Biloxi Blues," "Brighton Beach Memoirs," and "The Odd Couple." Additionally, he received accolades for his work in musical theater, such as Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "They're Playing Our Song" and Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Little Me."

What awards has Neil Simon won?

Neil Simon has won several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Unique Contribution to the Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Lost in Yonkers," the Tony Award for Best Play for "Lost in Yonkers" and "Biloxi Blues," the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play for "Brighton Beach Memoirs," and another Tony Award for Best Play for "The Odd Couple."

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