Neil Simon
Birth Place: Bronx, NY, USA
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Review: BAREFOOT IN THE PARK at Renaissance Theaterworks (Mar 23, 2026)
Video: Watch Jaafar Jackson Prepare to Play Michael Jackson in New Biopic (Mar 19, 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.
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Productions
Writing
Bookwriter
Movies
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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
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Video: MJ THE MUSICAL Cast Performs 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'
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Video: First Trailer Released for Michael Jackson Biopic Starring Nephew Jaafar
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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
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by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-29 13:36:21
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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!
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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
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Photos & Video: MJ Celebrates Halloween With Special 'Thriller' Performance
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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 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 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.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 19, 2026
SEO Blurb: Bell Theater at Bell Works will present SEXY LAUNDRY starring Bill Timoney and Georgette Reilly Timoney. The Michele Riml comedy will run April 10 through April 26 in Holmdel, New Jersey. Tickets are now available.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2026
Gateway Playhouse of Somers Point will debut a new series of plays called the “Community Spotlight Series,” which will encompass three well-known shows to be produced throughout the remainder of the year.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Mar 15, 2026
Four of Broadway’s ten longest running musicals are currently on the boards: Chicago, The Lion King, Wicked, and The Book of Mormon. One, The Phantom of the Opera, closed in 2023 after attaining the title of longest running Broadway show of all time. But what about Broadway’s longest running plays?
by Evan Henerson - Mar 13, 2026
With all its visual delights on full display, the non-Equity production directed by Catie Davis (from the original direction by Alex Timbers) is a carnival of the macabre.
by Michael Major - Mar 12, 2026
Jamie Lee Curtis revealed in a recent interview that she will never do Broadway. While promoting her new series Scarpetta alongside Broadway alum and Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose, Curtis was asked if she ever had interest in starring on Broadway.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2026
The Public Theatre is set to host the U.S. premiere of WHIT'S END, a comedy that promises to dispel the winter gloom with laughter. This engaging production, opening in March 2026, offers audiences a chance to enjoy a light-hearted narrative filled with humor and wit. The show, which has garnered attention for its clever script and dynamic performances, is an ideal pick for those looking to brighten their spirits during the colder months. WHIT'S END is directed by a renowned team known for deliv
by Michael Gioia - Mar 11, 2026
Christina Applegate feels that some critics weren’t kind during her star turn as Charity Hope Valentine on Broadway. Though the actress, 54, was Tony-nominated for her performance in the 2005 Broadway revival of Sweet Charity, she said she can’t forget about what then-New York Times chief theater critic Ben Brantley wrote in his May 5 review.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 10, 2026
Michael, the highly anticipated biopic about music icon Michael Jackson, will be available in theaters for limited Early Access screenings on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
by Michael Gioia - Mar 8, 2026
The actress, who was Tony-nominated for her star turn as Charity Hope Valentine in the 2005 Broadway revival of Sweet Charity, revealed in her memoir You with the Sad Eyes: A Memoir (out now) that she was willing to do anything to ensure that the production made it to Broadway.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 25, 2026
Garland Civic Theatre will present Rumors, directed by Eddy Herring. Written by Neil Simon, Rumors begins as Chris and Ken Gorman arrive at a fancy dinner party for their friend, Charley Brock.
by Team BWW - Feb 23, 2026
Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week. Check out the shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to this week, starting February 23, 2026.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2026
Florida Repertory Theatre has revealed its 29th season in the Historic Arcade and ArtStage Studio Theatres. The nine-show season features new and classic comedies, a fresh take on a classic thriller, and more musicals than ever.
by Gillian Blum - Feb 16, 2026
Jaxx Theatricals announced a limited 60th Anniversary engagement of Sweet Charity, the next show in its 19 Year Anniversary season following a sold out run of the Los Angeles premiere of Once Upon a One More Time.
by Gillian Blum - Feb 14, 2026
Theatre Memphis has announced its 2026-27 season decidedly dedicated to variety, including shows such as The Music Man and Million Dollar Quartet, among others.
by Brett Cullum - Feb 11, 2026
It’s funny, it’s clever, but it sometimes seems to get too caught up in itself as a script. Yet the acting here is top-notch, and the Mildred’s Umbrella production is a wonder in such a small space. Jennifer Decker’s direction is sublime, and she has a solid cast.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 10, 2026
Blake Channing Taylor will join the cast of MJ in the role of ‘Little Marlon’. Blake Channing Taylor will make his Broadway debut in the production. He replaces Lincoln Alejandro Collier.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 10, 2026
A new featurette has been released for Michael, taking viewers behind the scenes of the highly anticipated biopic about music icon Michael Jackson. 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