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Neil Simon

Birth Place: Bronx, NY, USA

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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.

Photos

Productions

Plaza SuitePlaza Suite
 
[West End, 2024]
Writer
Promises, Promises
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Adaptation
California Suite
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Theatre Owner / Operator

Writing

Rose's Dilemma
Playwright
London Suite
Playwright
Rumors
Playwright
Lost in Yonkers
Playwright
Jake's Women
Playwright
The Good Doctor
Playwright
God's Favorite
Playwright
Fools
Playwright
Biloxi Blues
Playwright
Chapter Two
Playwright
The Odd Couple
Playwright
Hotel Suite
Playwright
Proposals
Playwright
Plaza Suite
Playwright
Broadway Bound
Playwright
Catch a Star
Sketches
Bookwriter
Joy Ride
Sketches
Little Me
Bookwriter
Sweet Charity
Bookwriter

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
California Suite
[ 1978 ] writer
The Cheap Detective
[ 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

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

Videos

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News


How You Know These LOVE STORY Stars From Broadway: A Stage Guide to the FX Series Photo
How You Know These LOVE STORY Stars From Broadway: A Stage Guide to the FX Series
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 19, 2026

From Sarah Pidgeon to Grey Henson, take a look at all the Broadway stars to look out for when you tune in to FX's Love Story. New episodes debut on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FX and Hulu.
Works by Neil Simon, Noël Coward & More Included in Florida Repertory Theatre's 2026 Photo
Works by Neil Simon, Noël Coward & More Included in Florida Repertory Theatre's 2026-2027 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2026

Florida Repertory Theatre has revealed its 29th season in the Historic Arcade and ArtStage Studio Theatres. The nine-show season features new and classic comedies, a fresh take on a classic thriller, and more musicals than ever.
Jaxx Theatricals to Present SWEET CHARITY in March Photo
Jaxx Theatricals to Present SWEET CHARITY in March
by Gillian Blum - Feb 16, 2026

Jaxx Theatricals announced a limited 60th Anniversary engagement of Sweet Charity, the next show in its 19 Year Anniversary season following a sold out run of the Los Angeles premiere of Once Upon a One More Time.
Theatre Memphis Announces Lineup for 2026-2027 Season Photo
Theatre Memphis Announces Lineup for 2026-2027 Season
by Gillian Blum - Feb 14, 2026

Theatre Memphis has announced its 2026-27 season decidedly dedicated to variety, including shows such as The Music Man and Million Dollar Quartet, among others.
Review: GRAND HORIZONS at Mildred's Umbrella Photo
Review: GRAND HORIZONS at Mildred's Umbrella
by Brett Cullum - Feb 11, 2026

It’s funny, it’s clever, but it sometimes seems to get too caught up in itself as a script. Yet the acting here is top-notch, and the Mildred’s Umbrella production is a wonder in such a small space. Jennifer Decker’s direction is sublime, and she has a solid cast.
MJ on Broadway to Welcome New 'Little Marlon' to the Cast Photo
MJ on Broadway to Welcome New 'Little Marlon' to the Cast
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 10, 2026

Blake Channing Taylor will join the cast of MJ in the role of ‘Little Marlon’. Blake Channing Taylor will make his Broadway debut in the production. He replaces Lincoln Alejandro Collier.
Video: Go Behind the Scenes of MICHAEL Biopic in New Featurette Photo
Video: Go Behind the Scenes of MICHAEL Biopic in New Featurette
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 10, 2026

A new featurette has been released for Michael, taking viewers behind the scenes of the highly anticipated biopic about music icon Michael Jackson. Check it out now.
Cast and Creative Team Set for LOST IN YONKERS at Center REP Photo
Cast and Creative Team Set for LOST IN YONKERS at Center REP
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 9, 2026

Center Repertory Company has revealed the cast and creative team for Neil Simon’s Lost In Yonkers, performing at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts.
From Ethel Merman to Liza Minnelli: Revisit the Best of Broadway on THE MUPPET SHOW Photo
From Ethel Merman to Liza Minnelli: Revisit the Best of Broadway on THE MUPPET SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 7, 2026

It's time to meet Broadway's best on The Muppet Show tonight! With the new special now streaming, we have rounded up some of the best of Broadway talent during the show's original run.
Video: MJ THE MUSICAL Celebrates Four Years On Broadway Photo
Video: MJ THE MUSICAL Celebrates Four Years On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026

Yesterday afternoon, the Tony Award-winning global sensation MJ celebrated their 4th Anniversary on Broadway, including a special curtain call performance of Michael Jackson's hit song 'Remember the Time' lead by Matte Martinez. Watch the video!
Video/Photos: First Look at Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson in MICHAEL Biopic Photo
Video/Photos: First Look at Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson in MICHAEL Biopic
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 2, 2026

The official trailer has been released for Michael, the highly anticipated yet oft-delayed musical biopic about Michael Jackson starring Jackson's nephew, Jaafar, as the musical icon. Check it out now, along with new photos.
Did You Know These Musical Theatre Songs Made the Billboard Charts? Photo
Did You Know These Musical Theatre Songs Made the Billboard Charts?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 1, 2026

During and prior to the Golden Age of Broadway, songs regularly premiered on stage and then charted, spending time on the radio and becoming popular worldwide. In the 1960s, Broadway songs and popular music diverged, and work from musicals was no longer synonymous with chart hits. There have certainly been a good share of exceptions since that decade, as Broadway has evolved to mirror popular, current music genres. Several of the songs that have broken through to the Billboard charts can be heard on Broadway! 
Review: LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR at Desert Theatreworks Photo
Review: LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR at Desert Theatreworks
by Audrey Liebross - Jan 31, 2026

Neil Simon’s LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR is a brilliant comedy with a great deal of bite, but without the underlying tone of sexism aimed at entitled women that Simon’s work sometimes displays. Desert Theatreworks (DTW) presents a top-notch production with an A-list cast that more than does justice to the script. I found the production hilarious and urge everyone to attend.
Photos: First look at The Alcove Dinner Theatre and Bruce Jacklin & Company’s RUMOR Photo
Photos: First look at The Alcove Dinner Theatre and Bruce Jacklin & Company’s RUMORS
by Jerri Shafer - Jan 30, 2026

Four couples arrive at the townhouse of a deputy New York City mayor and his wife to attend a party celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. However, they soon discover that there are no servants, the hostess is missing, and the deputy mayor has shot himself (it’s only a flesh wound).
Carlsbad Playreaders Will Present Staged Reading Of Neil Simon's CALIFORNIA SUITE Photo
Carlsbad Playreaders Will Present Staged Reading Of Neil Simon's CALIFORNIA SUITE
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 29, 2026

Carlsbad Playreaders will present a staged reading of CALIFORNIA SUITE by Neil Simon. The reading will take place at the Carlsbad City Library in California. Admission will be offered on a pay-what-you-can basis.
MJ THE MUSICAL Will Celebrate 4th Anniversary With Post-Show Performance Photo
MJ THE MUSICAL Will Celebrate 4th Anniversary With Post-Show Performance
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2026

MJ the Musical will celebrate its 4th anniversary on Broadway with a special post-show performance of Michael Jackson’s hit song, 'Remember The Time.' Learn more about the performance here!
Review: The Outrageous Adult Comedy MYTH OF THE OSTRICH is Brimming with a Bevy of Be Photo
Review: The Outrageous Adult Comedy MYTH OF THE OSTRICH is Brimming with a Bevy of Belly Laughs
by James Lindhorst - Jan 24, 2026

Myth of the Ostrich is brazen comedy. It’s among the most accessibly entertaining productions staged at Upstream Theater in recent years. It is full of artfully crafted irreverent portrayals, expert direction, and a bevy of belly laughs.
Which Broadway Theatres Are Historically Most Desirable? Photo
Which Broadway Theatres Are Historically Most Desirable?
by Ben Waterhouse - Jan 23, 2026

Last week Hell’s Kitchen, located at the Shubert Theatre, announced that they would close on February 22. Aside from the unfortunate news that is for all who work on the show, it stands to wonder what might take that theatre in the next couple of months, and could that happen before the Tony Awards deadline? Furthermore, why is the Shubert Theatre in particular considered so desirable? 
Review: BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS at Theatre Three Photo
Review: BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS at Theatre Three
by Sam Desmond - Jan 23, 2026

The world of late 1930s Brooklyn is brought to life and elucidated in Theatre Three’s triumphant run of the Neil Simon classic,”Brighton Beach Memoirs.”
Little Theatre Of Manchester To Host Lunchtime Lecture On Neil Simon's RUMORS At Chen Photo
Little Theatre Of Manchester To Host Lunchtime Lecture On Neil Simon's RUMORS At Cheney Hall
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2026

The Little Theatre of Manchester will present a free Lunchtime Lecture discussing its upcoming production of RUMORS. The event will feature a conversation with members of the cast and creative team about the play and its development.
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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?

Best Comedy (Olivier Awards) for Laughter On The 23rd Floor, Best Comedy (Olivier Awards) for Lost In Yonkers , Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lost in Yonkers, Unique Contribution to the Theatre (Drama League Awards), The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Lost in Yonkers, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Lost in Yonkers, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Broadway Bound, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Broadway Bound, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Biloxi Blues, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Biloxi Blues, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Biloxi Blues, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Brighton Beach Memoirs, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Brighton Beach Memoirs, Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for They're Playing Our Song, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for They're Playing Our Song, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for They're Playing Our Song , Best Play (Tony Awards) for Chapter Two , Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Sunshine Boys, Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Prisoner of Second Avenue, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Plaza Suite, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Odd Couple, Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Odd Couple, Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Odd Couple, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Barefoot in the Park and Best Musical (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 award from the Drama League Awards. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Lost in Yonkers. His works have also been honored with multiple Tony Awards for Best Play, including Lost in Yonkers, Biloxi Blues, and The Odd Couple. Additionally, he won the Best Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Brighton Beach Memoirs.

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