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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


BROADWAY BOUND and More Set for The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center 25-26 Photo
BROADWAY BOUND and More Set for The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center 25-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025

The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center has revealed its 2025-2026 West Boca Theatre Company season, featuring a lineup of award-winning comedic and dramatic productions.
Neil Simon's RUMORS Comes to Blackfriars Theatre Photo
Neil Simon's RUMORS Comes to Blackfriars Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Dec 3, 2025

When the lights come up, it’s the night of the Brock’s 10th wedding anniversary: Mr. Brock is bleeding in the bedroom, Mrs. Brock is nowhere to be found, and as the dinner guests arrive, any attempt to “spin” what little they know of the truth results in knee-slapping, door-slamming chaos!  
ART OF LEAVING Enters Final Two Weeks of Performances At Pershing Square Signature C Photo
ART OF LEAVING Enters Final Two Weeks of Performances At Pershing Square Signature Center
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2025

Anne Marilyn Lucas' Art of Leaving has entered its final two weeks of performances at the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center (460 West 42nd Street).
Sarah Jessica Parker-Produced Ballet Doc FRONT ROW Coming to Marquee TV Photo
Sarah Jessica Parker-Produced Ballet Doc FRONT ROW Coming to Marquee TV
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 2, 2025

Next week, Marquee TV will release a documentary centering on Ukrainian ballet dancers from executive producer Sarah Jessica Parker. Front Row, directed by Miriam Guttmann, will debut on the streamer on Monday, December 8.
Marla Mindelle & Josh Sharp to Lead A KIDMAN CAROL By Kevin Zak Photo
Marla Mindelle & Josh Sharp to Lead A KIDMAN CAROL By Kevin Zak
by Michael Major - Dec 2, 2025

Marla Mindelle and Josh Sharp will star as Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett, respectively, in a developmental production of A Kidman Carol: A Gay Dementia On Australian Dames. The play is written and directed by Kevin Zak (Ginger Twinsies).
Roman Banks to Join the Broadway Cast of MJ as 'MJ' Alternate Photo
Roman Banks to Join the Broadway Cast of MJ as 'MJ' Alternate
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 1, 2025

Roman Banks will join the Broadway company of MJ. Banks will join the Broadway cast as the ‘MJ’ Alternate for a limited time only. The current Broadway cast of MJ features Matte Martinez as ‘MJ,’ and more.
Hot Tickets of the Week: DEATH BECOMES HER, ALADDIN & More Photo
Hot Tickets of the Week: DEATH BECOMES HER, ALADDIN & More
by Team BWW - Dec 1, 2025

Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week, with special holiday savings available. Check out the shows we recommend that you should snag tickets (and a great deal!) to right now.
Review: MJ THE MUSICAL Brings a Powerful Tribute to Michael Jackson to Vancouver Photo
Review: MJ THE MUSICAL Brings a Powerful Tribute to Michael Jackson to Vancouver
by Alyson Eng - Nov 30, 2025

“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” took on a new meaning in Vancouver this week as MJ THE MUSICAL debuted at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Tuesday for its opening night. The touring production arrived with sharp focus on the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, showing how Michael Jackson (or MJ) shaped every beat and detail.
Video: MJ THE MUSICAL Cast Performs 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' Photo
Video: MJ THE MUSICAL Cast Performs 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'
by Gillian Blum - Nov 30, 2025

Watch the Broadway musical MJ kick off the holiday season with special post show performances of the Jackson 5’s iconic holiday tune, 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town.'
Black Friday Deals: DEATH BECOMES HER, SIX, ALADDIN & More Photo
Black Friday Deals: DEATH BECOMES HER, SIX, ALADDIN & More
by Team BWW - Nov 28, 2025

Ready to see your next Broadway show? Of course you are! Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week, with special Black Friday savings available. Check out the shows we recommend that you should snag tickets (and a great deal!) to right now.
MJ THE MUSICAL Cast Will Perform 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town' Following Upcoming S Photo
MJ THE MUSICAL Cast Will Perform 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town' Following Upcoming Shows
by Stephi Wild - Nov 25, 2025

MJ the Musical will kick off the holiday season on Friday, November 28th with special post-show performances of the Jackson 5’s iconic rendition of the Christmas classic, ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town.'
Hot Tickets of the Week: BEETLEJUICE, STRANGER THINGS & More Photo
Hot Tickets of the Week: BEETLEJUICE, STRANGER THINGS & More
by Team BWW - Nov 24, 2025

Ready to see your next Broadway show? Of course you are! Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week, starting November 24, 2025. Check out five Broadway shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to right now!
Season of Concern Reveals Holiday Events to Benefit Chicago Theatre Artists Photo
Season of Concern Reveals Holiday Events to Benefit Chicago Theatre Artists
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 17, 2025

Throughout the holiday season, area performing arts organizations will take up audience collections at productions for Season of Concern, Chicago’s nonprofit dedicated to providing financial assistance to all Chicagoland theater practitioners.
Elizabeth Franz, Tony-Winning Broadway Actress, Dies At 84 Photo
Elizabeth Franz, Tony-Winning Broadway Actress, Dies At 84
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2025

Tony Award–winning actress Elizabeth Franz, best known for her acclaimed Broadway performances in Death of a Salesman, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Broadway Bound, and Morning’s at Seven, has died at 84.
Sarah Jessica Parker Named 2026 Carol Burnett Award Honoree Photo
Sarah Jessica Parker Named 2026 Carol Burnett Award Honoree
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 13, 2025

Broadway alum Sarah Jessica Parker has been named the 2026 Carol Burnett Award honoree, recognizing her contributions to the television industry both in front of and behind the camera.
THE GOOD DOCTOR Now Running at Lionheart Theatre Photo
THE GOOD DOCTOR Now Running at Lionheart Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 13, 2025

Lionheart Theatre's production of The Good Doctor is a delightful theatrical gem that blends Neil Simon's sharp wit with Anton Chekhov's timeless storytelling.
ART OF LEAVING to Collaborate With Caffè Panna on Limited Edition Ice Cream Photo
ART OF LEAVING to Collaborate With Caffè Panna on Limited Edition Ice Cream
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 12, 2025

Art of Leaving is collaborating with the New York favorite, Caffè Panna. For this partnership, both the Manhattan and Brooklyn locations of Caffè Panna will offer “Aud’s Show,” a brand-new, limited-edition ice cream flavor.
Neil Simon's THE DINNER PARTY to be Presented at Selah Theatre Project Photo
Neil Simon's THE DINNER PARTY to be Presented at Selah Theatre Project
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 10, 2025

Selah Theatre Project will present Neil Simon's The Dinner Party, directed by Bleu Do'zia, performing at StoneBranch Center for the Arts as part of the organization's Roaming Mainstage Season.
Santino Fontana, Tony Shalhoub, and More Will Lead LIGHT UP THE SKY Reading at Sympho Photo
Santino Fontana, Tony Shalhoub, and More Will Lead LIGHT UP THE SKY Reading at Symphony Space
by Stephi Wild - Nov 10, 2025

​​​​​​​A staged reading of Moss Hart’s Light Up the Sky is coming to Symphony Space next month. The one-night-only reading is set for December 16. Learn more about the production here!
Full Cast Set For The World Premiere Of HIGH NOON Photo
Full Cast Set For The World Premiere Of HIGH NOON
by Stephi Wild - Nov 7, 2025

Joining Emmy and Tony Award-winner Billy Crudup and Olivier Award-winner Denise Gough are Billy Howle, Rosa Salazar, Simon Chandler, James Doherty, Misha Handley, Joshua Hill, Jonah Russell, Rebecca Lee and Tim Steed.
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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 received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Unique Contribution to the Theatre award from the Drama League Awards. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Lost in Yonkers. Additionally, he earned the Tony Award for Best Play for Lost in Yonkers, Biloxi Blues, and The Odd Couple. Simon also received the Best Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Brighton Beach Memoirs.

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