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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

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

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Sketches
Bookwriter
Sketches
Bookwriter
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

News


MJ THE MUSICAL Comes to San Jose for One Week Only This Summer
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2025

Broadway San Jose will present the smash-hit musical MJ, playing a strictly limited engagement at San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts (255 S. Almaden Blvd.) from Tuesday, July 29 through Sunday, August 3, 2025.
ANDY WARHOL IN IRAN Extended Through July At Mosaic Theater Company
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 4, 2025

Mosaic Theater Company is extending the DC premiere of Andy Warhol in Iran to July 6, 2025. Written by Brent Askari and directed by Serge Seiden, this provocative, humorous portrait is a fictionalized account of the artist's infamous visit to Iran in 1976.
MJ THE MUSICAL Comes to Overture
by Stephi Wild - Jun 3, 2025

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry takes center stage in “MJ,” the multiple Tony Award-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
L.A. Theatre Works Launches Streaming Subscription Service
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2025

L.A. Theatre Works, the world’s foremost producer of audio theater, has launched a monthly subscription service offering global access plays in its catalog of classic, contemporary and original plays, with additional titles added every month.
Review: THE ROOMMATE at Kansas City Actors' Theatre
by Alan Portner - Jun 1, 2025

Kansas City Actors Theatre kicks off their twenty-first season with a super production of Jen Silverman’s THE ROOMMATE about two women who stumble awkwardly towards each other and learn a bit more than either one is ready to absorb.  This two hander has been kicking around regional theaters for about ten years before landing on the stage of the Booth Theater for a limited engagement.
NFL Player Solomon Thomas to Make Broadway Debut in MJ Cameo
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 30, 2025

NFL player and Broadway superfan Solomon Thomas will join the Broadway cast of MJ in a one-night-only cameo role. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: GREATER TUNA at The Pocket Community Theatre
by Theresa Bertram - May 30, 2025

I had my first introduction to the Tuna series at The Pocket Community Theatre in Hot Springs last weekend, and I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome into this wildly funny, fast-paced world. With performances from May 16th to the 25th, GREATER TUNA by Jaston Williams, Ed Howard, and Joe Sears was a whirlwind tour through the quirks and contradictions of small-town Texas life, delivered with heart, hilarity, and a whole lot of quick costume changes. 
LONDON SUITE Comes to the Dolphin Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 29, 2025

London Suite by Neil Simon comes to the Dolphin Theatre next month. The production is directed by Brynna Kumar, Carolyn Loader, Richard Martin and Carleen Craig.
Review: SWEET CHARITY at Blank Theatre Company
by Zac Thriffiley - May 22, 2025

Despite a few growing pains and a rushed finale, SWEET CHARITY is a great vehicle for the cast’s charming female lead and further evidence that Blank attracts some of the best young musical talent in the city while pushing the envelope of what Chicago storefront theater can accomplish.
BERT & TRIXIE VISIT THE VET To Have World Premiere at Purple Rose Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2025

The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) has announced the final production of their 34th season, “Bert & Trixie Visit the Vet” a World Premiere comedy written by Matt Letscher. Tickets are on sale now.
JAGGED LITTLE PILL, INDECENT and More Set for Center Repertory Company 25/26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2025

Walnut Creek’s Center Repertory Company has revealed the four productions that will make up the company’s 2025/26 season. See the full lineup and learn more!
15 Best Spots For Drinks in the Theatre District: Where to Get a Drink Near Broadway
by Sidney Paterra - May 18, 2025

Looking for a pre-show cocktail or a nightcap after the theatre? Here are the best 15 spots for drinks in the theatre district.
Who Are the Most Tony-Nominated People of All Time?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 18, 2025

This time, the reader question was: Who are the most Tony-nominated people of all time? Audra McDonald now holds the record for the most-nominated performer, but do you know who has the most ever?
Emjay Roa Joins MJ THE MUSICAL as 'Little Michael' Tonight
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2025

Emjay Roa will join the cast of MJ The Musical on Broadway, in the role of ‘Little Michael’, making his Broadway debut in the role. He replaces Austin Rankin who will be joining the MJ National Tour.
THE MOTHERS to Have Reading at 4th Annual CreateTheater New Works Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 12, 2025

THE MOTHERS, a sharp, hilarious new comedy by Chris Sherman, is coming to NYC for an Industry reading in the 4th Annual CreateTheater New Works Festival. Learn more!
Atlanta Community Theatre Summer Preview
by Joseph Harrison - May 9, 2025

What better way to cool off on a hot, Atlanta summer evening (or afternoon!) than taking in one of these exciting productions, coming to a community theatre near you! Check out all the amazing theatre that Metro Atlanta has to offer this summer!
Interview: Chatting with Director Michael Kostroff of MURDER FOR TWO at STAGES St. Louis
by James Lindhorst - May 8, 2025

The STAGES St. Louis season opens at the end of May with the hilarious musical whodunit Murder for Two. A famed novelist is killed at his surprise birthday party and everyone attending is a suspect. A small-town police detective, piano playing Marcus Moscowitz, arrives to investigate and question all 12 suspects. The 12 suspects are all played by one piano playing actor. The zany music-filled murder mystery unfolds as Detective Moscowitz interviews the eccentric party guests.   STAGES St. Louis artistic director Gayle Seay knew she had to find the perfect team to lead this madcap comedic thriller. Casting two actors who are piano playing virtuosos, plus standby actors for each role was hard enough, but she immediately knew who she wanted to direct. Enter Michael Kostroff.  
Video: Christine Baranski Recalls 50th Birthday Celebration with Stephen Sondheim
by Josh Sharpe - May 8, 2025

On a recent visit to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Christine Baranski recalled what she considers to be her best birthday, which she spent with Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. Watch her tell the story here!
Review: RUMORS at City Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - May 6, 2025

Rumors at City Theatre: Neil Simon’s farce at its most absurd! No life lessons here, just pure, well-paced chaos and big laughs. Sometimes that's exactly what we need.
Photos: Neil Simon RUMORS at Genesis Creative Collective
by A.A. Cristi - May 5, 2025

City Theatre Austin's production of Neil Simon’s hit stage comedy RUMORS runs May 8 - 18 at Genesis Creative Collective. Check out photos from the show!

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 received the Tony Award for Best Play for Lost in Yonkers, Biloxi Blues, and The Odd Couple. He also earned the Best Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Brighton Beach Memoirs.

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