George Abbott

Date of Death: January 31, 1995 (107)

Birth Place: Forestville, NY, USA

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George Abbott BIO

George Abbott was a renowned American theater director, producer, playwright, and actor who is known for his significant contributions to the American theater. Born on June 25, 1887, in Forestville, New York, Abbott began his career in the theater as an actor, but eventually became a successful producer and director.

Abbott's Broadway career spanned over seven decades, during which he produced and directed more than 100 Broadway productions, wrote over 30 plays and musicals, and acted in several productions. He made his Broadway debut as an actor in 1913 in The Misleading Lady and later went on to produce and direct several successful productions.

Some of Abbott's most notable productions include The Boys from Syracuse, Damn Yankees, and Pal Joey, all of which he co-wrote with Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. He also directed the original productions of On Your Toes, The Pajama Game, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, among others.

Abbott's contribution to the American theater was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater in 1982. He was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1972.

In addition to his work in the theater, Abbott also worked in film and television. He directed several films, including The Impatient Years and Alligator Named Daisy, and also worked as a writer and producer for television.

Abbott passed away on January 31, 1995, at the age of 107. His legacy in the American theater continues to live on through his numerous productions and the many artists he influenced throughout his long and illustrious career.

Overall, George Abbott was a legendary figure in the American theater, whose contributions to the industry will never be forgotten. His ability to write, produce, and direct successful productions, as well as his talent as an actor, set him apart as a true master of his craft. His influence on the American theater will continue to be felt for generations to come.

George Abbott STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
1955
Mr. Antrobus

[Broadway]
1934
John Brown

[Broadway]
1930
Frederick Williston

[Broadway]
1925
Dirk Yancey

[Broadway]
1925
Dynamite Jim

[Broadway]
1924
Steve Tuttle

[Broadway]
1924
Sid Hunt

[Broadway]
1923
Sverre Peterson

[Broadway]
1923
Texas

[Broadway]
1920
Sylvester Cross

[Broadway]
1918
Henry Allen

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1915
Second Yeoman

[Broadway]
1913
Performer

George Abbott Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Author
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
 
[New York, 1986]
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[Broadway, 1983]
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[Broadway, 1976]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1970]
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[Broadway, 1969]
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[Broadway, 1962]
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[West End, 1960]
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[Broadway, 1957]
Director
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[West End, 1955]
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[Broadway, 1955]
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[US Tour, 1955]
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[Broadway, 1954]
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Producer
 
[US Tour, 1954]
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[Broadway, 1954]
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[US Tour, 1951]
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[Broadway, 1949]
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Presenter
 
[Broadway, 1949]
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[Broadway, 1948]
Director
 
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Choreographer
Director
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[Broadway, 1947]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1947]
Director
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[Broadway, 1939]
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[Broadway, 1938]
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[Broadway, 1938]
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[Broadway, 1938]
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[Broadway, 1937]
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[Broadway, 1937]
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[Broadway, 1937]
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[Broadway, 1936]
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[Broadway, 1936]
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[Broadway, 1935]
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Producer
 
[Broadway, 1935]
Director
Director
 
[Broadway, 1935]
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[Broadway, 1934]
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[Broadway, 1934]
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[Broadway, 1934]
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[Broadway, 1934]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1934]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1933]
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Producer
 
[Broadway, 1933]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1932]
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Producer
 
[Broadway, 1932]
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[Broadway, 1932]
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[Broadway, 1931]
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[Broadway, 1930]
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[Broadway, 1928]
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[Broadway, 1928]
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[Broadway, 1927]
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[Broadway, 1927]
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[Broadway, 1927]
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[Broadway, 1926]
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[Broadway, 1926]
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[Broadway, 1926]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
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Playwright
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Bookwriter
Bookwriter
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Playwright
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Source Material
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter

George Abbott Movies

[1926]Love 'Em and Leave 'Em writer

[1927]Hills of Peril writer

[1928]Four Walls writer

[1929]Broadway writer

[1929]Night Parade writer

[1929]The Saturday Night Kid writer

[1930]Manslaughter writer

[1930]The Sea God writer

[1930]All Quiet on the Western Front writer

[1932]Those We Love writer

[1933]Lilly Turner writer

[1934]Twentieth Century producer

[1938]Brother Rat producer

[1938]Boy Meets Girl producer

[1938]Room Service producer

[1940]Too Many Girls producer

[1940]The Boys from Syracuse writer

[1941]Highway West writer

[1943]Best Foot Forward producer

[1945]See My Lawyer producer

[1952]Where's Charley? writer

[1957]The Pajama Game producer

[1957]Drei Mann auf einem Pferd writer

[1965]Never Too Late director

George Abbott Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 1987 - Comedy of the Year

George AbbottThree Men On A Horse

Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Direction of a Musical

George Abbott, How Now, Dow Jones

Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Direction of a Musical

George Abbott , A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Direction of a Play

George Abbott, Never Too Late

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1962 - Creative Contribution of the Season

George Abbott, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Musical

George Abbott, Damn Yankees

Tony Awards - 1955 - Best Musical

George Abbott, The Pajama Game

George Abbott Videos

George Abbott News


Review: THE PAJAMA GAME at Lancaster Opera House

A breakdown of  union labor relations, abuse in the workplace and  demands for higher wages surely doesn't sound like the stuff of musical comedy. Unless you're speaking of the classic 1954 musical THE PAJAMA GAME, now playing at the Lancaster Opera House. 

Is Michael Greif Setting a Record by Directing 3 Shows This Season?

This time, the reader question was: Is Michael Greif setting a record by directing three shows this season?

Mint Theater Company To Stream World Premiere of BECOMES A WOMAN

Beginning Monday February 19th (from 7pm) Mint will be streaming the three-camera archival recording of the World Premiere of one of its most exciting discoveries: Becomes a Woman.

History Fort Lauderdale Reschedules 27th Annual History Makers fundraiser

History Fort Lauderdale’s 27th annual History Makers fundraiser has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 31, from 6 – 8 p.m., at Galleria Fort Lauderdale.

ANN TALMAN: ELIZABETH TAYLOR AND THE SHADOW OF HER SMILE to Play Brunch Performance at Laura Beechman Theatre

Light the candles! Get the ice out! The Laurie Beechman Theatre will present a special brunch matinee performance on Sunday, February 25 at 2pm of Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and The Shadow of Her Smile. 

Actress and Activist Vinie Burrows Dies At Age 99

Actress Vinie Burrows, once proclaimed “the queen of Black theater” by Clive Barnes of The New York Times, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day 2023 surrounded by family, at the age of 99. 

Broadway Veteran Vinie Burrows Passes Away at 99

Actress Vinie Burrows, once proclaimed “the queen of black theater” by Clive Barnes of The New York Times, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day 2023 surrounded by family, at the age of 99. 

CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben Returns With A Dramatic Conversation On January 8

Join the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County at CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben on January 8 for a dramatic conversation.

Creative Team & Dates Set for Kenny Leon-Directed HOME on Broadway

Roundabout Theatre Company has revealed the creative team and dates for the new Broadway production of Home by Samm-Art Williams, directed by Kenny Leon. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Roundabout Theatre Company 2024 Gala to Honor Kenny Leon & Feature Ariana DeBose Performance

Roundabout Theatre Company's 2024 Gala will honor Kenny Leon and The Rudin Family on Monday, March 4 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose will perform a unique concert created exclusively for the special occasion.

Carbonell Awards Add Four New Judges

The Carbonell Awards adds four new judges to its panel, bringing the total number to 42. These judges will evaluate productions at professional theaters across South Florida.

Susan Stroman to Receive 2023 Louis Auchincloss Prize From Museum of the City of New York

Museum of the City of New York to present the 2023 Louis Auchincloss Prize to award-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman.

Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs & More to Join The Drama League EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala

Get ready for a night of incredible performances at The Drama League 'Embrace The Season' Gala. Join Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs, and other talented artists as they take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Don't miss out on this star-studded event!

The Drama Book Shop Announces Upcoming Author Events

The Drama Book Shop presents a series of events featuring new theatrical literary works by authors and playwrights. Join them for inspiring discussions and celebrations of the power of American theater. Reserve your seat on their website.

Tracie Bennett Will Portray Tallulah Bankhead In Industry Readings Of THE CODE

Tracie Bennett to portray Tallulah Bankhead in industry readings of 'The Code' - a new play by Michael McKeever. Christopher Renshaw directs.Jim Kierstead will present two private industry readings (by invitation only) of The Code, a new play by Michael McKeever (Daniel's Husband, Mr. Parker).

Tickets On Sale Now For 46th Annual Carbonell Awards Ceremony

General admission tickets are now available for purchase for the Carbonell Awards, South Florida's version of Broadway's Tony Awards.

League of Professional Theatre Women Hosts Interview of Susan Stroman by Sharon Washington

Tony Award winning Director/Choreographer Susan Stroman will be interviewed about her long and brilliant career, by Broadway Playwright Sharon Washington, at 6p.m., Friday, November 17, at the Bruno Walter Auditorium, at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 17th, 2023

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 17, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Photos: Explore Tommy Tune's Art Exhibition at CIVILIAN Hotel

Today, Rockwell Group and CIVILIAN Hotel have installed a new art exhibition by 10-time Tony Award-winning artist Tommy Tune, featuring his acrylic-on-oil canvas works, as a new addition for its theater-inspired Olio Collection. See photos!

Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Norm Lewis & More To Join The Drama League's EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala

Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Norm Lewis, Danny Burstein, and more will be performing at The Drama League's 'Embrace The Season' Gala.

George Abbott FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

George Abbott has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.

George Abbott has not appeared in the West End

George Abbott has been nominated for several awards throughout his career in Broadway. These include the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the Comedy of the Year from the Olivier Awards for the show "Three Men On A Horse," a Special Tony Award, Outstanding Director of a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "On Your Toes," Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for "How Now, Dow Jones" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," Best Direction of a Play from the Tony Awards for "Never Too Late," Creative Contribution of the Season from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Fiorello!," and Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for "Fiorello!," "Damn Yankees," and "The Pajama Game."

George Abbott has won several awards throughout his career in the Broadway industry. These include the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the Comedy of the Year from the Olivier Awards for his work on Three Men On A Horse, a Special Tony Award, the Outstanding Director of a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for On Your Toes, the Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the Creative Contribution of the Season from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Fiorello!, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Fiorello!, the Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for Fiorello!, the Best Musical from the Tony Awards for Damn Yankees, and the Best Musical from the Tony Awards for The Pajama Game.

George Abbott has written 30 shows including The Fall Guy (Playwright), A Holy Terror (Playwright), Love 'em and Leave 'em (Playwright), Four Walls (Playwright), Coquette (Playwright), Ringside (Playwright), Those We Love (Playwright), Lilly Turner (Playwright), Heat Lightning (Playwright), Ladies' Money (Playwright), On Your Toes (Bookwriter), Sweet River (Playwright), The Boys from Syracuse (Bookwriter), Three Men on a Horse (Playwright), Beat the Band (Bookwriter), Where's Charley? (Bookwriter), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Bookwriter), Damn Yankees (Bookwriter), New Girl in Town (Bookwriter), The Pajama Game (Bookwriter), Joy Ride (Bookwriter), Fiorello! (Bookwriter), Tenderloin (Bookwriter), Let it Ride (Source Material), Flora, the Red Menace (Bookwriter), Anya (Bookwriter), Music Is (Bookwriter), Broadway (Bookwriter), Tropicana (Bookwriter), Crooked Broadway (Bookwriter).

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