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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


Bernadette Peters to Join Pacific Symphony for the 2024-25 Pops Season Opener

Bernadette Peters joins Pacific Symphony for the 2024-25 Pops Season opener, performing classic show tunes and timeless melodies under the baton of Enrico Lopez-Yañez in Orange County. Learn how to purchase tickets.
John Patrick Shanley To Be Honored at The William Inge Center For The Performing Arts

The William Inge Center for the Arts at Independence Community College, Independence Kansas, announces John Patrick Shanley as the Honoree for the 42nd William Inge Theatre Festival, which takes place April 17-19, 2025. Shanley will be presented with the William Inge Distinguished Achievement in the American Theatre Award. The Festival will include the 8th New Play Lab, a partnership with the Kansas Arts Commission and Independence Community College, performances, workshops, panel discussions and social events.
MJ to Welcome Julius-Raymond Weems IV as 'Little Marlon' Beginning Tonight

Julius-Raymond Weems IV will join the cast of MJ in the role of ‘Little Marlon' beginning tonight, Tuesday, October 22. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Haines City Theatre to Present Neil Simon's Classic Comedy THE ODD COUPLE

Haines City Theatre announced its production of Neil Simon's THE ODD COUPLE, running November 1-17, 2024. Enjoy the comedic clash of Oscar and Felix, with performances by Erik Hastings and Jeremiah Pyle.
Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize-Winning LOST IN YONKERS Opens Palm Beach Dramaworks'  

Palm Beach Dramaworks ushers in its 25th Anniversary Season on November 1 (7:30pm) with Neil Simon's most celebrated play, Lost in Yonkers.
MJ THE MUSICAL Will Celebrate Halloween With Special 'Thriller' Performances

MJ the Musical will celebrate Halloween on Broadway, on Tour, and in London after the evening performances on Thursday, October 31st with a special performance of the beloved and iconic choreography in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” short film. 
Bernadette Peters to Appear on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS Next Week

Tune in to NBC next Wednesday, October 23 to see Tony-award-winning performer Bernadette Peters on Late Night with Seth Meyers. The episode will air 12:35/11:35c on NBC.
New Block Of Tickets Released For Bernadette Peters Concerts at Two River Theater

Two River Theater has released a new block of tickets for the performances by Bernadette Peters. Peters has garnered numerous accolades including three Tony Awards, a Golden Globe, four Emmy and four Grammy Award nominations and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Full Cast Set For North American Tour of ANNIE

The complete cast has been set for the 2024-25 North American Tour of ANNIE! Learn more about the full cast here including who will be in the cast for it's New York City stop at Madison Square Garden opposite Whoopi Goldberg!
BAREFOOT IN THE PARK is Now Playing at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is kicking off its Off Broadway Palm season with Neil Simon’s classic comedy, Barefoot in the Park. This production is playing now through November 16, 2024.
Stage Door Theatre to Open 51st Season With THE MOUSETRAP

Stage Door Theatre in Dunwoody, GA, opens its 51st season with Agatha Christie's THE MOUSETRAP. Experience the suspense as seven strangers uncover a murderer among them. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: MJ THE MUSICAL at Bass Concert Hall

MJ THE MUSICAL has hit the stage at Bass Concert Hall. Is it smooth? Is it criminal?  Was it a thriller? Is it Bad? Forgive me. I love a good pun - I love a bad pun, too. Nevertheless, MJ the MUSICAL is the latest in a long history of Broadway jukebox musicals now touring in Austin.
Pigs Do Fly Productions' THE LONG WEEKEND Opens At Empire Stage In November

Pigs Do Fly Productions has announced the opening of THE LONG WEEKEND at Empire Stage on November 1.
Video: Watch a Preview of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory

Watch a first look at Little Shop of Horrors at South Coast Repertory! The new video montage features a look at various scenes and musical numbers from the production, set to the title song and 'Suddenly Seymour' sung by the cast. Watch the video of the new production now!
How Common Are Autobiographical Plays and Musicals?

This time, the reader question was: With Yellow Face on Broadway, have there been other semi-autobiographical shows on Broadway where the writer made themself a character?
Video: Broadway Cast of MJ THE MUSICAL Performs 'Beat It'

The Broadway cast of MJ the Musical stopped by The Kelly Clarkson Show on Wednesday to perform the classic song 'Beat It' from the show. Watch it now!
Photos: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory

South Coast Repertory opens its 2024-25 season with the musical creature feature Little Shop of Horrors, Directed by Jenn Thompson, the cult classic runs through Oct. 20 on the Segerstrom Stage. Check out photos here!
Full Cast Announced for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Starring Jason Alexander at La Mirada Theatre

LA Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment announced the cast for their upcoming production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, featuring a talented ensemble ready to bring the classic musical to life.
Photos: The Theatre Group at SBCC Presents LOST IN YONKERS

The Theatre Group at SBCC will continue the 24-25 season with Neil Simon’s LOST IN YONKERS, Directed by Jonathan Fox, October 9-26, 2024 in the Garvin Theatre. See photos from the production.
KING LEAR, DRACULA & More Set for Nutley Little Theatre 90th Season

Nutley Little Theatre announced its 90th season, marking nearly a century of theatrical productions. The celebration highlights the theatre's long-standing commitment to the arts and its community.

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?

Neil Simon has received numerous nominations for his work, including: - 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 Barefoot in the Park - Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Little Me

What awards has Neil Simon won?

Neil Simon has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including: 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 Memoirs, and Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Odd Couple.

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