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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.

Neil Simon Photos

Neil Simon STAGE CREDITS

Neil Simon Productions

 
[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

Neil Simon Movies

[1963]Come Blow Your Horn writer

[1966]After the Fox writer

[1967]Barefoot in the Park writer

[1970]The Out of Towners writer

[1971]Star Spangled Girl writer

[1971]Plaza Suite writer

[1972]Last of the Red Hot Lovers writer

[1972]The Heartbreak Kid writer

[1975]The Prisoner of Second Avenue writer

[1975]The Sunshine Boys writer

[1976]Murder by Death writer

[1977]The Goodbye Girl writer

[1978]The Cheap Detective writer

[1978]California Suite writer

[1979]Chapter Two writer

[1980]Seems Like Old Times writer

[1981]Only When I Laugh producer

[1982]I Ought to Be in Pictures producer

[1983]Max Dugan Returns producer

[1985]The Slugger's Wife writer

[1986]Brighton Beach Memoirs writer

[1988]Biloxi Blues writer

[1991]The Marrying Man writer

[1998]The Odd Couple II 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

Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Lost in Yonkers

Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Broadway Bound

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Play

Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding 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

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


MJ: THE MUSICAL, THE LION KING & More Join TDF's 2023-24 Season of Autism Friendly Performances

TDF, the not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts, will present its 12th season of Autism Friendly Performances for individuals on the autism spectrum or with other developmental or cognitive disabilities. Learn how to purchase tickets!

MJ THE MUSICAL Will Open in Germany Next Year

The multiple Tony Award® winning Broadway musical MJ is coming to Germany at the Stage Theater an der Elbe in Hamburg in late fall 2024. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!

Cast Set For the 2023-24 National Tour of ANNIE

Casting has been announced for the 2023-24 North American Tour of ANNIE that launches in Paducah, KY before a two-week engagement in Ft. Lauderdale, FL Tuesday, October 10th. Find out who is starring in the show here!

'At Sea with Patrick Dennis- A Conversation with Bernie Ardia' is Coming to The Drama Bookshop

Join Bernie Ardia at The Drama Bookshop on October 10 at 7:30 pm as he recounts the hilarious and outlandish escapades of friends Patrick Dennis, Walter Healy, and Robert Karr in Mexico. Get your tickets now!

Photos: First Look at BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS at Buck Creek Playhouse

Check out production photos from Buck Creek Players' production of Brighton Beach Memoirs!

Listen: Susan Sarandon & Seth Rudetsky Join Season 2 of Chris Sarandon's COOKING BY HEART Podcast

Academy Award-nominated actor Chris Sarandon launches Season 2 of his 'Cooking By Heart' podcast with Susan Sarandon and Seth Rudetsky. Listen here!

Meet a Marketer: Nancy Richards of North Coast Rep in Solana Beach, CA

Nancy Richards is an accomplished marketing professional with a distinguished career in the world of theater. As the Director of Marketing and Press Relations at North Coast Rep for the past decade, Nancy has been instrumental in elevating the theater's brand visibility and driving ticket sales to new heights.

Tony Danza, Nikki M. James, and More Join Jamie deRoy & Friends at Birdland Next Month

Jamie deRoy brings her acclaimed Jamie deRoy & friends cabaret show back to New York’s famed Birdland Jazz Club, Monday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m.  Find out who the special guests are for the show, and get tickets here!

The Saint Sebastian Players Perform NUNSENSE Next Month

The Saint Sebastian Players’ 42nd season opens with the hilarious musical spoof Nunsense by Dan Goggin. Learn more about the musical and find out how to get tickets here!

Tickets Go On Sale This Week For PLAZA SUITE, Starring Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker

On sale dates have been confirmed for the West End transfer of Neil Simon’s hit comedy PLAZA SUITE. Find out when you can get tickets here!

Arizona Theatre Company to Kick Off 56th Season with Neil Simon's BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

Arizona Theatre Company will kick off its momentous 56th season with Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park, a beloved romantic comedy among the top 10 longest-running non-musical plays in Broadway history and an Oscar-nominated movie starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.

MJ to Release New Block of Tickets for Performances Through May 2024

Beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, September 12 at 10:00am ET, a new block of tickets for MJ will be available for performances through May 26, 2024.

THE ODD COUPLE is Now Playing at Riverbank Theatre

The Odd Couple, a hilarious story about friendship, marriage, and unexpected roommates opened on Sunday, September 3rd at Riverbank Theatre. Learn more about the production here!

Photos: Aaron Rodgers & The New York Jets Visit MJ for HARD KNOCKS Finale

MJ on Broadway was featured on the season finale episode of HBO’s Emmy-Award winning series “Hard Knocks.” Check out pics from the special visit!

Photos: The New York Jets Visit MJ: THE MUSICAL For HBO'S HARD KNOCKS Finale

Check out photos of MJ on Broadway featured in the season finale episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” In the finale episode, they bring 10 of their teammates to the Neil Simon Theatre where they can be seen enjoying MJ (the majority of the team’s first Broadway show), meeting the cast and creative team, and even attempting their best moonwalk on stage.

Interview: Proud Mom Marilu Henner Ever Excited in Making MUSIC & Remembering MEMORIES

I had the incredible pleasure of talking to Marilu Henner on her upcoming show at the Write-Off Room Music and Memories on September 23, 2023. She completely wowed me with her uncanny detailed memory of her illustrious career. Marilu is only one of twelve people in the world who has hyperthymesia, or in laymen’s terms: total recall memory. Accompanying Marilu on her one-nighter will be musical director Michael Orland on piano.

Potomac Playmakers Perform Neil Simon's GOD'S FAVORITE

The Potomac Playmakers have announced the first show of the 2023-2024 Season, the classic Neil Simon comedy 'God's Favorite!'

Greg Kalafatas and Caroline Eiseman-Led HAIRSPRAY National Tour Reveals 2023-24 Casting and Full Route

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, has announced casting and the touring schedule for the 2023-2024 season. This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O'Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will visit 45 cities including premiere engagements in Calgary, AB; Charlotte, NC; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Edmonton, ALB; Houston, TX; Nashville, TN; Ottawa, ONT; Vancouver, BC; and many more.

TWISTED World Premiere Comes to Theater For The New City

Theater for the New City presents the world premiere of Joel Greenhouse's TWISTED, a dark comedy with songs, directed by Joe John Battista, with original music by Peter W. Dizozza, running September 28 - October 15, 2023. Previews begin on September 28 for a September 30 opening.

ANNIE Returns To The Broward Center In Fort Lauderdale This October

The Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale series and presenting sponsor Nicklaus Children's Hospital, announced that an all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE will play at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday, October 10 through Sunday, October 22, 2023. 

Neil Simon FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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).

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 .

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, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Biloxi Blues Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Brighton Beach Memoirsand Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Odd Couple.

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