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George Abbott Headshot

George Abbott

Birth Place: Forestville, NY, USA

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BIO

George Abbott was a renowned American theater director, producer, playwright, and actor who is known for his significant contributions to the American theater. Born on June 25, 1887, in Forestville, New York, Abbott began his career in the theater as an actor, but eventually became a successful producer and director.



Abbott's Broadway career spanned over seven decades, during which he produced and directed more than 100 Broadway productions, wrote over 30 plays and musicals, and acted in several productions. He made his Broadway debut as an actor in 1913 in The Misleading Lady and later went on to produce and direct several successful productions.

Some of Abbott's most notable productions include The Boys from Syracuse, Damn Yankees, and Pal Joey, all of which he co-wrote with Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. He also directed the original productions of On Your Toes, The Pajama Game, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, among others.

Abbott's contribution to the American theater was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater in 1982. He was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1972.

In addition to his work in the theater, Abbott also worked in film and television. He directed several films, including The Impatient Years and Alligator Named Daisy, and also worked as a writer and producer for television.

Abbott passed away on January 31, 1995, at the age of 107. His legacy in the American theater continues to live on through his numerous productions and the many artists he influenced throughout his long and illustrious career.

Overall, George Abbott was a legendary figure in the American theater, whose contributions to the industry will never be forgotten. His ability to write, produce, and direct successful productions, as well as his talent as an actor, set him apart as a true master of his craft. His influence on the American theater will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

The Skin of Our Teeth
[Broadway]
1955
Mr. Antrobus
John Brown
[Broadway]
1934
John Brown
Those We Love
[Broadway]
1930
Frederick Williston
A Holy Terror
[Broadway]
1925
Dirk Yancey
Processional
[Broadway]
1925
Dynamite Jim
Lazybones
[Broadway]
1924
Steve Tuttle
Hell-bent Fer Heaven
[Broadway]
1924
Sid Hunt
White Desert
[Broadway]
1923
Sverre Peterson
Zander the Great
[Broadway]
1923
Texas
The Broken Wing
[Broadway]
1920
Sylvester Cross
Daddies
[Broadway]
1918
Henry Allen
The Yeomen of the Guard
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1915
Second Yeoman
The Misleading Lady
[Broadway]
1913
Performer

Productions

Damn YankeesDamn Yankees
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Author
Broadway
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
Tropicana
 
[New York, 1986]
Director
On Your Toes
 
[Broadway, 1983]
Director
Music Is
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director
The Pajama Game
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
Not Now, Darling
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Director
Norman, Is That You?
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Director
Three Men on a Horse
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Director
The Fig Leaves Are Falling
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Director
The Education of H*Y*M*A*N K*A*P*L*A*N
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Director
How Now, Dow Jones
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Director
Agatha Sue, I Love You
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Director
Help Stamp Out Marriage!
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Director
Anya
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Director
Flora, the Red Menace
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Director
Fade Out - Fade In
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Director
Never Too Late
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Director
Take Her, She's Mine
 
[Broadway, 1961]
Director
A Call on Kuprin
 
[Broadway, 1961]
Director
Tenderloin
 
[Broadway, 1960]
Director
Once Upon a Mattress
 
[West End, 1960]
Director
Fiorello!
 
[Broadway, 1959]
Director
Once Upon a Mattress
 
[Broadway, 1959]
Director
Drink to Me Only
 
[Broadway, 1958]
Director
New Girl in Town
 
[Broadway, 1957]
Director
Director
The Pajama Game
 
[West End, 1955]
Director
Damn Yankees
 
[Broadway, 1955]
Director
The Pajama Game
 
[US Tour, 1955]
Director
On Your Toes
 
[Broadway, 1954]
Director
Producer
Wonderful Town
 
[US Tour, 1954]
Director
The Pajama Game
 
[Broadway, 1954]
Director
Me And Juliet
 
[Broadway, 1953]
Director
Director
Wonderful Town
 
[Broadway, 1953]
Director
In Any Language
 
[Broadway, 1952]
Director
Producer
The Number
 
[Broadway, 1951]
Director
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
 
[Broadway, 1951]
Director
Producer
Where's Charley?
 
[Broadway, 1951]
Director
Call Me Madam
 
[US Tour, 1951]
Director
Out of this World
 
[Broadway, 1950]
Director
Call Me Madam
 
[Broadway, 1950]
Director
Touch and Go
 
[Broadway, 1949]
Producer
Presenter
Mrs. Gibbons' Boys
 
[Broadway, 1949]
Director
Producer
Where's Charley?
 
[Broadway, 1948]
Director
Look Ma, I'm Dancin'!
 
[Broadway, 1948]
Choreographer
Director
Producer
High Button Shoes
 
[Broadway, 1947]
Director
Barefoot Boy With Cheek
 
[Broadway, 1947]
Director
Producer
It Takes Two
 
[Broadway, 1947]
Director
Producer
The Dancer
 
[Broadway, 1946]
Producer
Billion Dollar Baby
 
[Broadway, 1945]
Director
On the Town
 
[Broadway, 1944]
Director
Snafu
 
[Broadway, 1944]
Director
Producer
A Highland Fling
 
[Broadway, 1944]
Director
Producer
Get Away Old Man
 
[Broadway, 1943]
Director
Producer
Kiss and Tell
 
[Broadway, 1943]
Director
Producer
Sweet Charity
 
[Broadway, 1942]
Director
Beat the Band
 
[Broadway, 1942]
Director
Producer
Jason
 
[Broadway, 1942]
Producer
Best Foot Forward
 
[Broadway, 1941]
Director
Producer
Pal Joey
 
[Broadway, 1940]
Director
Producer
Goodbye in the Night
 
[Broadway, 1940]
Director
Producer
The Unconquered
 
[Broadway, 1940]
Director
Producer
Ring Two
 
[Broadway, 1939]
Director
Producer
Too Many Girls
 
[Broadway, 1939]
Producer
Director
Director
Producer
See My Lawyer
 
[Broadway, 1939]
Producer
Mrs. O'Brien Entertains
 
[Broadway, 1939]
Director
Producer
The Primrose Path
 
[Broadway, 1939]
Director
Producer
The Boys from Syracuse
 
[Broadway, 1938]
Director
Producer
What a Life
 
[Broadway, 1938]
Director
Producer
All That Glitters
 
[Broadway, 1938]
Director
Producer
Brown Sugar
 
[Broadway, 1937]
Director
Producer
Angel Island
 
[Broadway, 1937]
Director
Producer
Room Service
 
[Broadway, 1937]
Director
Producer
Brother Rat
 
[Broadway, 1936]
Director
Producer
Sweet River
 
[Broadway, 1936]
Director
Producer
Boy Meets Girl
 
[Broadway, 1935]
Director
Producer
Jumbo
 
[Broadway, 1935]
Director
Director
Three Men on a Horse
 
[Broadway, 1935]
Director
Page Miss Glory
 
[Broadway, 1934]
Director
Ladies' Money
 
[Broadway, 1934]
Director
Small Miracle
 
[Broadway, 1934]
Director
Kill That Story
 
[Broadway, 1934]
Director
John Brown
 
[Broadway, 1934]
Director
Producer
The Drums Begin
 
[Broadway, 1933]
Director
Producer
Heat Lightning
 
[Broadway, 1933]
Director
Twentieth Century
 
[Broadway, 1932]
Director
Producer
The Great Magoo
 
[Broadway, 1932]
Director
Lilly Turner
 
[Broadway, 1932]
Director
Louder, Please
 
[Broadway, 1931]
Director
Those We Love
 
[Broadway, 1930]
Director
Poppa
 
[Broadway, 1928]
Director
Ringside
 
[Broadway, 1928]
Director
Gentlemen of the Press
 
[Broadway, 1928]
Director
Bless You, Sister
 
[Broadway, 1927]
Director
Coquette
 
[Broadway, 1927]
Director
Four Walls
 
[Broadway, 1927]
Director
Spread Eagle
 
[Broadway, 1927]
Director
Chicago
 
[Broadway, 1926]
Director
Broadway
 
[Broadway, 1926]
Director
Love 'em and Leave 'em
 
[Broadway, 1926]
Director

Writing

Heat Lightning
Playwright
Sweet River
Playwright
Ladies' Money
Playwright
Four Walls
Playwright
Coquette
Playwright
Ringside
Playwright
Lilly Turner
Playwright
The Fall Guy
Playwright
Those We Love
Playwright
A Holy Terror
Playwright
Bookwriter
Anya
Bookwriter
Beat the Band
Bookwriter
The Boys from Syracuse
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Broadway
Playwright
Bookwriter
Damn Yankees
Bookwriter
Fiorello!
Bookwriter
Joy Ride
Bookwriter
Let it Ride
Source Material
Music Is
Bookwriter
New Girl in Town
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
On Your Toes
Bookwriter
The Pajama Game
Bookwriter
Tenderloin
Bookwriter
Tropicana
Bookwriter

Movies

Love 'Em and Leave 'Em
[ 1926 ] writer
Hills of Peril
[ 1927 ] writer
Four Walls
[ 1928 ] writer
The Saturday Night Kid
[ 1929 ] writer
Night Parade
[ 1929 ] writer
Broadway
[ 1929 ] writer
All Quiet on the Western Front
[ 1930 ] writer
The Sea God
[ 1930 ] writer
Manslaughter
[ 1930 ] writer
Those We Love
[ 1932 ] writer
Lilly Turner
[ 1933 ] writer
Twentieth Century
[ 1934 ] producer
Room Service
[ 1938 ] producer
Boy Meets Girl
[ 1938 ] producer
Brother Rat
[ 1938 ] producer
Too Many Girls
[ 1940 ] producer
The Boys from Syracuse
[ 1940 ] writer
Highway West
[ 1941 ] writer
Best Foot Forward
[ 1943 ] producer
See My Lawyer
[ 1945 ] producer
Where's Charley?
[ 1952 ] writer
The Pajama Game
[ 1957 ] producer
Drei Mann auf einem Pferd
[ 1957 ] writer
Never Too Late
[ 1965 ] director

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama League Awards - 1994 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

George Abbott


winner
Olivier Awards - 1987 - Comedy of the Year

George AbbottThree Men On A Horse


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Special Tony Award

George Abbott


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

George Abbott, On Your Toes

Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Direction of a Musical

George Abbott, How Now, Dow Jones


winner
Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Direction of a Musical

George Abbott , A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Direction of a Play

George Abbott, Never Too Late


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1962 - Creative Contribution of the Season

George Abbott, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1960 - Best Musical

George Abbott, Fiorello!


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1960 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

George Abbott, Fiorello!


winner
Tony Awards - 1960 - Best Direction of a Musical

George Abbott, Fiorello!


winner
Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Musical

George Abbott, Damn Yankees


winner
Tony Awards - 1955 - Best Musical

George Abbott, The Pajama Game

Videos

More Videos

News


T.R Knight, Julie Halston and More Complete the Cast of THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE at Red Photo
T.R Knight, Julie Halston and More Complete the Cast of THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 8, 2025

Red Bull Theater has revealed the full cast of the one-night-only, benefit performance of the beloved musical The Boys From Syracuse, starring Santino Fontana, Nikki Renee Daniels and more.
GableStage, Slow Burn Theatre Company and More Win '24-25 Carbonell Awards Photo
GableStage, Slow Burn Theatre Company and More Win '24-25 Carbonell Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 18, 2025

The Carbonell Awards, South Florida's Theater & Arts Honors, has revealed the winners in 20 competitive categories for the 2024-2025 theater season. Nearly 550  performers, producers, directors, designers, publicists, and theater fans attended.
Santino Fontana, Bonnie Milligan and More Join THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE Concert Photo
Santino Fontana, Bonnie Milligan and More Join THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 4, 2025

Red Bull Theater has revealed additional details of the one-night-only, benefit performance of The Boys From Syracuse, starring Santino Fontana, Nikki Renee Daniels and more.
Carbonell Awards Add Special Watch Party to Ceremony at FAU’s University Theatre Photo
Carbonell Awards Add Special Watch Party to Ceremony at FAU’s University Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 31, 2025

The 48th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, today announced that the glittery annual ceremony and after-party at FAU’s University Theatre in Boca Raton is SOLD OUT.
The Carbonell Awards Add Special Watch Party for Sold Out Ceremony Photo
The Carbonell Awards Add Special Watch Party for Sold Out Ceremony
by Team BWW - Oct 31, 2025

The 48th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, announced that the glittery annual ceremony and after-party at FAU’s University Theatre in Boca Raton is SOLD OUT. The fun, festive, entertainment-packed event is scheduled for Monday November 17, at 7:30 pm.
BWW Q&A: Rob McClure Talks Damn Yankees at Arena Stage Photo
BWW Q&A: Rob McClure Talks Damn Yankees at Arena Stage
by Joshua Wright - Oct 29, 2025

We spoke to Rob McClure about Arena Stage's Broadway-Bound revival of Damn Yankees. This newly-imagined take on the beloved classic stars Rob McClure (Applegate), Ana Villafañe (Lola), Tony Award nominee Jordan Donica (Joe Hardy), Grammy Award nominee Quentin Earl Darrington (Joe Boyd), Bryonha Marie (Meg Boyd), and Alysha Umphress (Gloria Thorpe).
Video: Jordan Donica Sings 'Goodbye, Old Girl' from DAMN YANKEES Photo
Video: Jordan Donica Sings 'Goodbye, Old Girl' from DAMN YANKEES
by Joshua Wright - Oct 28, 2025

Get a first look at Jordan Donica as Joe Hardy singing 'Goodbye, Old Girl' from Damn Yankees, running through November 9, 2025 at Arena Stage.
Exclusive: Rob McClure Sings 'Those Were The Good Old Days' from DAMN YANKEES Photo
Exclusive: Rob McClure Sings 'Those Were The Good Old Days' from DAMN YANKEES
by Joshua Wright - Oct 28, 2025

Get a first look at Rob McClure singing Those Were The Good Old Days' from Damn Yankees, running through November 9, 2025. This newly-imagined take on the beloved classic stars Rob McClure (Applegate), Ana Villafañe (Lola), and Tony Award nominee Jordan Donica (Joe Hardy).
Video: Cast of DAMN YANKEES Performs 'Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO' Photo
Video: Cast of DAMN YANKEES Performs 'Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO'
by Joshua Wright - Oct 24, 2025

Watch Alysha Umphress as Gloria Thorpe, Jordan Donica as Joe Hardy, and the Company of DAMN YANKEES performing 'Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO.' 
Bartlett Sher to Receive 2026 SDC Foundation 'Mr. Abbott' Award Photo
Bartlett Sher to Receive 2026 SDC Foundation 'Mr. Abbott' Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2025

Bartlett Sher will be honored with Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's “Mr. Abbott” Award, given to a director or choreographer in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Broadway.
Stratford Festival Announces 2026 Cast for GUYS AND DOLLS Photo
Stratford Festival Announces 2026 Cast for GUYS AND DOLLS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2025

Discover the Stratford Festival's 2026 cast lineup, featuring GUYS AND DOLLS and more! Get details on how to attend this exciting season.
Carbonell Awards 2025: Tickets Now on Sale for South Florida’s Version of the Tony Photo
Carbonell Awards 2025: Tickets Now on Sale for South Florida’s Version of the Tony Awards
by Team BWW - Oct 16, 2025

The 48th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, will be hosting a glittery ceremony at FAU’s University Theatre in Boca Raton on Monday, November 17, at 7:30 pm.
Video: Ana Villafañe & Jordan Donica of DAMN YANKEES Perform 'Two Lost Souls' at Are Photo
Video: Ana Villafañe & Jordan Donica of DAMN YANKEES Perform 'Two Lost Souls' at Arena Stage
by Joshua Wright - Oct 7, 2025

Watch Ana Villafañe as Lola, Jordan Donica as Joe Hardy, and the Company of DAMN YANKEES at Arena Stage performing 'Two Lost Souls.'
Video: First Look at Revised DAMN YANKEES at Arena Stage Photo
Video: First Look at Revised DAMN YANKEES at Arena Stage
by Michael Major - Sep 30, 2025

Watch a video of Damn Yankees starring Rob McClure (Applegate), Ana Villafañe (Lola), Jordan Donica (Joe Hardy), Grammy Award nominee Quentin Earl Darrington (Joe Boyd), Bryonha Marie (Meg Boyd), and Alysha Umphress (Gloria Thorpe),
The 6th Act's Production Of OUTSIDE MULLINGAR to Return This Fall Photo
The 6th Act's Production Of OUTSIDE MULLINGAR to Return This Fall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2025

The 6th Act is bringing back their production of John Patrick Shanley's modern classic OUTSIDE MULLINGAR! Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: First Look at Arena Stage's Revised DAMN YANKEES Photo
Photos: First Look at Arena Stage's Revised DAMN YANKEES
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 22, 2025

Now running at Arena Stage is a revival of Damn Yankees, running through November 9, 2025, in the Fichandler Theater. Check out a first look at the star-studded cast in action!
Review Roundup: DAMN YANKEES Opens at Arena Stage Photo
Review Roundup: DAMN YANKEES Opens at Arena Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2025

See what the critics are saying about Damn Yankees at Arena Stage! Read the reviews for the production starring Rob McClure, Ana Villafañe and more, and learn more here!
Carbonell Awards Announces Finalists for 2024-2025 Theater Season Photo
Carbonell Awards Announces Finalists for 2024-2025 Theater Season
by Team BWW - Sep 18, 2025

Gary Schweikhart, board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, announced the top finalists in 20 competitive categories for the 2024-2025 theater season.
Nikki Renee Daniels, Santino Fontana and More Join THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE Reading Photo
Nikki Renee Daniels, Santino Fontana and More Join THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE Reading
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 18, 2025

RED BULL THEATER has revealed further details of the 2025-’26 season, kicking off with the world premiere of Richard II. Learn more about the season here!
Video: Co-Adaptors Will Power and Doug Wright Talk DAMN YANKEES at Arena Stage Photo
Video: Co-Adaptors Will Power and Doug Wright Talk DAMN YANKEES at Arena Stage
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2025

A new adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Damn Yankees is now playing at the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Watch video of from inside the rehearsal room with Co-Adaptors Will Power and Doug Wright here!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has George Abbott been in?

George Abbott has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.

How many West End shows has George Abbott been in?

George Abbott has not appeared in the West End

What awards has George Abbott been nominated for?

George Abbott has been nominated for several awards throughout his career in Broadway. These include the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the Comedy of the Year from the Olivier Awards for the show "Three Men On A Horse," a Special Tony Award, Outstanding Director of a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "On Your Toes," Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for "How Now, Dow Jones" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," Best Direction of a Play from the Tony Awards for "Never Too Late," Creative Contribution of the Season from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Fiorello!," and Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for "Fiorello!," "Damn Yankees," and "The Pajama Game."

What awards has George Abbott won?

George Abbott has won several awards throughout his career in the Broadway industry. These include the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the Comedy of the Year from the Olivier Awards for his work on Three Men On A Horse, a Special Tony Award, the Outstanding Director of a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for On Your Toes, the Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the Creative Contribution of the Season from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Fiorello!, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Fiorello!, the Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for Fiorello!, the Best Musical from the Tony Awards for Damn Yankees, and the Best Musical from the Tony Awards for The Pajama Game.

How many shows has George Abbott written?

George Abbott has written 30 shows including The Fall Guy (Playwright), A Holy Terror (Playwright), Love 'em and Leave 'em (Playwright), Four Walls (Playwright), Coquette (Playwright), Ringside (Playwright), Those We Love (Playwright), Lilly Turner (Playwright), Heat Lightning (Playwright), Ladies' Money (Playwright), On Your Toes (Bookwriter), Sweet River (Playwright), The Boys from Syracuse (Bookwriter), Three Men on a Horse (Playwright), Beat the Band (Bookwriter), Where's Charley? (Bookwriter), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Bookwriter), Damn Yankees (Bookwriter), New Girl in Town (Bookwriter), The Pajama Game (Bookwriter), Joy Ride (Bookwriter), Fiorello! (Bookwriter), Tenderloin (Bookwriter), Let it Ride (Source Material), Flora, the Red Menace (Bookwriter), Anya (Bookwriter), Music Is (Bookwriter), Broadway (Bookwriter), Tropicana (Bookwriter), Crooked Broadway (Bookwriter).

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