Neil Simon
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.
Date of Birth: July 04, 1927 (99)
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.
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Productions
Writing
Bookwriter
Movies
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Awards and Nominations
Neil Simon, Laughter On The 23rd Floor
Neil Simon, Lost In Yonkers
Neil Simon, Lost in Yonkers
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Neil Simon
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Neil Simon, Lost in Yonkers
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Neil Simon, Lost in Yonkers
Neil Simon, Broadway Bound
Neil Simon, Broadway Bound
Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues
Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues
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Neil Simon, Biloxi Blues
Neil Simon, Brighton Beach Memoirs
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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
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Neil Simon, The Odd Couple
Neil Simon, The Odd Couple
Neil Simon, Barefoot in the Park
Neil Simon, Little Me
Videos
Video: Shirley MacLaine Looks Back on SWEET CHARITY in Rare Video
by Michael Major - 2026-08-19 16:32:35
Video: Henry Winkler Looks Back on Short-Lived Broadway Debut: 'It Was Devastating'
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-23 13:03:06
Video: Watch the Final Trailer for MICHAEL Biopic Featuring 'Thriller,' 'Billie Jean,' & More
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-08 10:20:17
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: Jaafar Jackson Stars as Michael Jackson in New Biopic Trailer
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
Video: Matte Martinez Steps Into MJ's Shoes; Watch 'Smooth Criminal'
by Joey Mervis - 2025-09-18 12:43:45
News
by Bruce Apar - Sep 26, 2026
There is no question the show takes wing on the deliciously grand entrance of Jason Summers as Barrymore. Mr. Summers is thoroughly engaging and mesmerizing, holding us in his thrall, and declaiming in a high-toned, clipped British accent, as he swans and seemingly floats fluidly about the stage as if he owns the show, because he clearly does.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 23, 2026
Stolen Shakespeare Guild in Fort Worth revealed its 2027 lineup featuring nine productions including DREAMGIRLS, MEAN GIRLS, and Shakespeare's JULIUS CAESAR and THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Season passes are available for $135.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2026
Roundabout Theatre Company's production of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière, translated by Doug Skinner, adapted by Tony Award winner Bill Irwin, with direction by Tony Award nominee Brandon J. Dirden is now on Broadway! Meet the cast here.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2026
What happens when two newlyweds with very different ideas about marriage try to build a life together in a tiny New York apartment? Audiences can find out in Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park, as part of the Shades of Black Theatre Festival.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 15, 2026
A new 50th Anniversary Broadway production of Annie will premiere on Broadway in Fall 2027, fifty years after its Broadway debut, directed by Sam Pinkleton. Learn more here!
by Brett Cullum - Sep 14, 2026
Cy Coleman got started as a jazz musician. He was a child prodigy pianist and concertized at a very early age, and then he began writing pop songs in the ’50s. And had quite a few hits. Singers like Tony Bennett and Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra all recorded his songs.
by Patrick Doss - Sep 12, 2026
Al and Willie as 'Lewis & Clark' were top-billed vaudevillians for over 40 years. Now they aren't even speaking. When CBS requests them for a 'History of Comedy' retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memories, miseries, and laughs.
by Barry Lenny - Sep 11, 2026
Peter Goers has brought together a very strong cast for this production
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2026
Artistry announced its 2027 theatrical season featuring 'Til Death, Philly and the Dreamer, Barefoot in the Park, and My Fair Lady. The Bloomington theater will operate under a new collaborative model partnering with regional companies.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 9, 2026
Creative Coven LLC will present David Mamet's BOSTON MARRIAGE, a queer period comedy staged inside a private Studio City residence with actors swapping roles nightly.
by Dawn Sellers - Sep 8, 2026
Bag & Baggage Productions' performance of Neil Simon's classic comedy, Barefoot in the Park, is an absolute delight with top-notch local talent, and a beautifully staged American classic.
by Sidney Paterra - Sep 5, 2026
Stage dooring has long been a beloved Broadway tradition, giving theatregoers a chance to meet performers after a show. But if you've never done it before, you might have questions. Where is the Broadway stage door? How long do you have to wait? Will every actor come out? And what exactly is proper stage door etiquette? We're breaking down everything you need to know about stage dooring on Broadway.
by Rachel Stone - Sep 1, 2026
The Mystic Film Festival will bring 131 short and feature-length films to Mystic, CT and Westerly, RI, with screenings, workshops and an awards ceremony honoring William Sadler.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 31, 2026
Hat Trick Theatre Productions will stage THE WOMAN IN BLACK at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts' Murray Theatre in Clearwater, marking the company's return to the venue with the psychological thriller.
by Michael Major - Aug 31, 2026
See photos from Matte Martinez's final performance in MJ the Musical on Broadway! Martinez was celebrated with a bouqet of flowers after his final show.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 31, 2026
Centre Stage will launch its 2026-2027 Season of Icons with Neil Simon's farce RUMORS, featuring mistaken identities and escalating misunderstandings.
by Kelly Rogers Flynt - Aug 31, 2026
RUMORS at Woodminster Summer Musicals is full of laughs and gaffs, and is a jolly good time. Set in a posh New York townhouse, RUMORS is Neil Simon’s only full length farce. From half truths to utter nonsense and mistaken identities to outright charades, this production will ensnare you in a stream of rumors and then lead you back to the truth.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 28, 2026
You can now view Elaine Stritch: At Liberty, Elaine Stritch's one-woman show, which won her a 2002 Tony, filmed at the Old Vic Theatre in London. In the show, Stritch she traces her roots from The New School to Broadway star.
by BWW Special Offer - Aug 27, 2026
Neil Simon's Tony Award-winning comedy Barefoot in the Park is now playing at Harlequin Productions in Olympia, WA through September 6.Get tickets today for this delightful production, a co-production with Taproot Theatre Company.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 26, 2026
Legacy Theatre announced the cast set to star in its upcoming production of THE ODD COUPLE, offering audiences a first look at the ensemble ahead of opening.
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 won several prestigious awards, including: Unique Contribution to the Theatre (Drama League Awards), The Pulitzer Prize for Drama 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.
