Neil Simon
Birth Place: Bronx, NY, USA
Review: Eddie Shields Excels in BREAKING THE CODE (Apr 12, 2026)
THE ODD COUPLE To Be Presented By City Theatre Austin (Apr 10, 2026)
Video: Watch the Final Trailer for MICHAEL Biopic Featuring 'Thriller,' 'Billie Jean,' & More (Apr 8, 2026)
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
Writing
Bookwriter
Movies
[ 1963 ] writer
[ 1966 ] writer
[ 1967 ] writer
[ 1970 ] writer
[ 1971 ] writer
[ 1971 ] writer
[ 1972 ] writer
[ 1972 ] writer
[ 1975 ] writer
[ 1975 ] writer
[ 1976 ] writer
[ 1977 ] writer
[ 1978 ] writer
[ 1978 ] writer
[ 1979 ] writer
[ 1980 ] writer
[ 1981 ] producer
[ 1982 ] producer
[ 1983 ] producer
[ 1985 ] writer
[ 1986 ] writer
[ 1988 ] writer
[ 1991 ] writer
[ 1998 ] producer
Awards and Nominations
Neil SimonLaughter On The 23rd Floor
Neil SimonLost In Yonkers
Neil Simon, Lost in Yonkers
winner
Neil Simon
winner
Neil Simon, Lost in Yonkers
winner
Neil Simon, Lost in Yonkers
Neil Simon, Broadway Bound
Neil Simon, Broadway Bound
Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues
Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues
winner
Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues
Neil Simon, Brighton Beach Memoirs
winner
Neil Simon, Brighton Beach Memoirs
Neil Simon, They're Playing Our Song
Neil Simon, They're Playing Our Song
Neil Simon, They're Playing Our Song
Neil Simon, Chapter Two
Neil Simon, The Sunshine Boys
Neil Simon, The Prisoner of Second Avenue
Neil Simon, Last of the Red Hot Lovers
Neil Simon, Plaza Suite
Neil Simon, The Odd Couple
winner
Neil Simon , The Odd Couple
Neil Simon, The Odd Couple
Neil Simon, Barefoot in the Park
Neil Simon, Little Me
Videos
Video: Watch Jaafar Jackson Prepare to Play Michael Jackson in New Biopic
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-19 11:36:28
Video: Go Behind the Scenes of MICHAEL Biopic in New Featurette
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-02-10 11:30:50
Video/Photos: First Look at Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson in MICHAEL Biopic
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-02-02 10:37:37
Video: Watch the Trailer for New HBO Two-Part Mel Brooks Documentary
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-01-08 12:15:42
Video: MJ THE MUSICAL Cast Performs 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'
by Gillian Blum - 2025-11-29 20:24:28
Video: First Trailer Released for Michael Jackson Biopic Starring Nephew Jaafar
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-06 10:31:24
Photos/Video: NFL Star Solomon Thomas Makes Broadway Debut in MJ THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - 2025-06-16 09:19:32
Video: Christine Baranski Recalls 50th Birthday Celebration with Stephen Sondheim
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-08 11:25:04
Video: Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney Star as Theater Performers in EVERYTHING'S GOING TO BE GREAT Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-01 12:26:24
Video: Netflix Releases Trailer for Conan O'Brien Mark Twain Prize Special
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-29 13:36:21
Video: The Cast of MJ THE MUSICAL Performs 'ABC,' 'I Want You Back' & More in A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-12-12 11:28:42
Video: Watch a Preview of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory
by Michael Major - 2024-10-03 21:42:01
Video: MJ " Das Michael Jackson Musical: Benét Monteiro in der Titelrolle!
by Joshua Wright - 2024-08-06 10:10:37
Video: MJ Launches Sweepstakes in Celebration of 2 Million Tickets Sold
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-04-08 12:58:54
Video: Old Friends Lonny Price & Jim Walton Reunite to Celebrate MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2023-11-16 13:59:27
Photos & Video: MJ Celebrates Halloween With Special 'Thriller' Performance
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-11-01 12:08:22
Video: CABARET at the Kit Kat Club Celebrates John Kander and Joel Grey's Lifetime Achievement Tony Awards
by Stephi Wild - 2023-06-12 07:28:00
News
by R. Scott Reedy - Apr 12, 2026
What did our critic think of BREAKING THE CODE at Central Square Theater?
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 10, 2026
City Theatre Austin will present THE ODD COUPLE by Neil Simon from May 1 through May 17 at Genesis Creative Collective. The production will be directed by Tracy Hurd and will feature Zachary Gamble as Oscar Madison and Darwin Ragsdale as Felix Ungar.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 8, 2026
The final trailer has been released for Michael, the highly anticipated biopic about music icon Michael Jackson. Starring Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson as the late musician, the trailer showcases several musical performances in the movie. Check it out now, along with a new image.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 8, 2026
The Sherman Players launch their Centennial Season with Neil Simon's LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR, running April 10-26 in Sherman, CT, with a half-price preview night on April 9.
by Kelly Rogers Flynt - Apr 5, 2026
Center Rep presents Neil Simon’s classic tale of family and obligations, LOST IN YONKERS. In a world of sound bites, TikTok, and AI images, this show reminds us that when it comes to family, things haven’t really changed that much. With humor and heart, the show demonstrates that even in the midst of hurt and misunderstanding, there’s still no place like home.
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 3, 2026
The Pulitzer Prize for Drama is one of the most prestigious honors in American theater, celebrating outstanding works that have made a significant impact on the stage. Here's a closer look at what the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is, how it works, and why it matters.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 3, 2026
Florida Repertory Theatre raised $1,200,222 at its March 28 gala at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, the highest total in the theatre's 28-year history, with over 300 guests attending.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 2, 2026
You can now get a first look at production photos from Neil Simon’s Lost In Yonkers, performing at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, directed by Nancy Carlin.
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 31, 2026
Dog Day Afternoon has officially arrived on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre. Starring Emmy Award Winners Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the new play is written by Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Adly Guirgis and directed by two-time Olivier Award winner Rupert Goold. Check out what the critics are saying about the new play...
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2026
Hill Country Community Theatre will present Lost in Yonkers, the critically acclaimed play by Neil Simon, opening Friday, April 10th and running weekends through Sunday, April 26th.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 30, 2026
In April, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Marilyn Maye, Claybourne Elder and many more.
by Robert Encila-Celdran - Mar 30, 2026
Marsha Mason has long been defined by her film work in the 1970s and ’80s, and by her storied marriage to the late Neil Simon. Their collaboration nurtured a distinct sensibility, shaping a kind of American comedy rooted in idiosyncratic behavior: how people talk, misread each other, and circle back.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Mar 29, 2026
Our 41 Broadway theaters provide a home for every production that hits the Great White Way. From our oldest continually operating Broadway house, the Lyceum, to our newest reopened and functioning Broadway house, the Hudson, the Broadway theaters are all located in midtown Manhattan. Who are all of our current Broadway houses named for...?
by Brett Cullum - Mar 28, 2026
The whole show is well-produced, well-acted, and a lot of fun to watch. It’s endearing, funny, and it actually speaks to something deeper than you would expect.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 27, 2026
From Sarah Pidgeon to Grey Henson, take a look at all the Broadway stars to look out for when you watch FX's Love Story. All episodes are now streaming on Hulu.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 26, 2026
Tickets are now on sale for Michael, the highly anticipated biopic about music icon Michael Jackson. Check out newly released photos here, featuring Jaafar Jackson as his late uncle.
by Gavin Glynn - Mar 26, 2026
Pow Thrust! Bam!! The is the best polished musical theater production currently on the boards in LA! Musical Theater god, James Lent, took a four piece hugely talented band with only a five piece orchestrations to sound magically like a full orchestra bringing a solid punch to every number! Creatively choreographed geometrically with no square inch left unused across the forced proscenium! Lighting truss to create a center curtain egress but double as an elevator was sheer innovation worthy of an Ovation itself! Mics were too hot for the softer songs and the pulled ANNIE OAKLEY costumes looked a little pulled in the dramatic moody lighting of the Fandango taxi dance nightclub. Risque' costumes and burlesque bend overs are not for the Disney family musical gate droppers. critic think of SWEET CHARITY! at The JAXX Theater Hollywood?
by Stephi Wild - Mar 26, 2026
Experience Theatre Project will present RUMORS, a comedic play by Neil Simon, opening on April 17. The production will take place at the Experience Theatre Project venue.
by Cathy Jakicic - Mar 23, 2026
BAREFOOT IN THE PARK at Renaissance Theaterworks does credit to the classic Neil Simon comedy.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 19, 2026
In a featurette for Michael, Michael Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, shares how he prepared to portray his late uncle in the new biopic of the musician. Check it out now.
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.
Neil Simon has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Unique Contribution to the Theatre from the Drama League Awards. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Lost in Yonkers, as well as Best Play at the Tony Awards for both Lost in Yonkers and Biloxi Blues. Additionally, he earned Best Play from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Brighton Beach Memoirs and received another Best Play award at the Tony Awards for The Odd Couple.
Videos