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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


Kiln Theatre Announce World Premiere Musical COVEN And More In 2025 - 2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 15, 2025

Kiln Theatre has announced its new 2025/26 season, Amit Sharma's second as Artistic Director. The programme features three world premieres and a new version of a much-loved hit.
ANNIE Comes To Bass Concert Hall This May
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 7, 2025

The 2024-25 tour of the iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE will play Bass Concert Hall from May 2-4, 2025 as part of the Texas Performing Arts Broadway in Austin season.
45 SECONDS FROM BROADWAY Comes to the Little Theatre Of Virginia Beach
by Stephi Wild - Feb 6, 2025

The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach will present 45 Seconds From Broadway, a witty and heartwarming comedy by legendary playwright Neil Simon. Learn more here!
MJ Welcomes New 'Little Michael' on Broadway and National Tour
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025

Broadway newcomer Christopher Sean Cooper Jr. will join the cast of MJ, alternating the role of ‘Little Michael’. Originally from Brooklyn, Christopher will make his Broadway debut in the production on Wednesday, February 5. 
Photos: THE LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS At Majestic Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2025

Majestic Theatre will present the Neil Simon comedy, Last of the Red Hot Lovers on February 14 – 16, 2025. Last of the Red Hot Lovers is directed by A. Robert Dionne, assisted by Roy Swonger and stars: Jeff Caron, Larissa Gault, Becky Rush and Elizah Taylor. Check out photos from the production.
Previews: PROVA A PRENDERMI al TEATRO BRANCACCIO
by Ettore Farrattini - Jan 31, 2025

PROVA A PRENDERMI al TEATRO BRANCACCIODebutto al Teatro Nazionale di Milano il 27 febbraio per poi approdare a Roma il 19 marzo per l'adattamento in italiano del musical ispirato al celebre film
Joanna Pickering's New Play CEASE AND DESIST to be presented at Theater 555
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2025

Playwright Joanna Pickering is set to unveil her psychological thriller, Cease and Desist, with its first performances in New York City in March. Learn more about the play.
Monmouth Community Players Announces The Cast Of THE ODD COUPLE, FEMALE VERSION
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 25, 2025

The Monmouth Community Players, alongside Marquis Season Sponsor Great Falls Federal Credit Union and Season Sponsors Winthrop Area Federal Credit Union and Readfield Insurance Agency, have announced the cast of their upcoming production of Neil Simon's 'The Odd Couple, Female Version'.
Joanna Pickering's New Work CEASE AND DESIST Will Be Performed at Theater 555
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2025

Playwright Joanna Pickering is set to unveil her psychological thriller, Cease and Desist, with its first performances in New York City this February and March. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Neil Simon's RUMORS to be Presented at The Blue Moon Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2025

'Rumors' by Neil Simon will be presented at The Blue Moon Theatre this winter. Learn more about the production. Performances will run through early February. Learn more.
Review: Situation Dramedy SIGNIFICANT OTHER at Elmwood Playhouse
by Bruce Apar - Jan 23, 2025

The lead character, Jordan, is beautifully rendered in a heartfelt, high-energy turn by John Carlos Lefkowitz, who delivers Joshua Harmon's stream-of-consciousness monologues in a lilting voice that is almost musical.
TheatreZone Announces The Cast of THE RINK
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 23, 2025

Acting tours de force in TheatreZone's Feb. 6-16 production of Kander & Ebbs' The Rink showcase Karen Molnar Danni and Sarah Beth Ganey as a mother and daughter reconnecting after years of estrangement.
Harris Center Presents ANNIE In February
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2025

Harris Center for The Arts will present the Tony Award-Winning musical ANNIE, performing six times, February 14-16, with three evening performances at 6:30pm, and three matinees at 1:30pm. 
Previews: ARTSWORKS SERIES at Desert Theatreworks
by Charlie Thomas - Jan 21, 2025

ArtsWorks is a program by and for seniors--whether they come with a lifetime of experience or a renewed interest in creative expression--to engage in the performing arts without the pressures of memorization and rigorous rehearsals. But it’s so much more than reading plays. It’s music. It’s movement. It’s an opportunity to expand social connections within the community and to keep those juices flowing—the ones that boost and maintain cognitive skills. It’s joyous.
Gretna Theatre and Imaginary Friends Puppet Theatre Present RYLIE'S ROTTEN DAY
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2025

Gretna Theatre and Imaginary Friends puppet theatre will present a new musical to life that looks at the effects of bullying from the victim's perspective and how being bullied can get passed on to those you care about.
Conan O’Brien to Receive the 26th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 16, 2025

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present the 26th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Conan O’Brien on March 23, 2025, in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced that John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit.
Centenary Stage Company Now Accepting Applicants For Spring 2025 Session Of Young Performers Workshop
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 14, 2025

Centenary Stage Company’s Young Performer’s Workshop returns for this spring from February 15 through June 1, and the deadline to apply is February 14.
Tony Award-Winning Musical ANNIE Begins This Month At Peoria Civic Center
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 6, 2025

The American Theatre Guild will present the iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE. This production is part of the 24–25 AMEREN ILLINOIS BROADWAY IN PEORIA Series and will take the Peoria Civic Center stage Jan. 21–22, 2025.
THE ODD COUPLE Set for Wasatch Theatre Company in February
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 5, 2025

Wasatch Theatre Company will revisit the work of Neil Simon with their upcoming production of THE ODD COUPLE by Neil Simon, the tried but lasting tale of Oscar Madison and his seeming opposite Felix Unger as they navigate their friendship.

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?

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.

What awards has Neil Simon won?

Neil Simon has won several prestigious awards, including the Unique Contribution to the Theatre from the Drama League Awards. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Lost in Yonkers. Simon also won the Tony Award for Best Play for Lost in Yonkers and for Biloxi Blues. Additionally, he won the Best Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle for Brighton Beach Memoirs, and he received the Tony Award for Best Play for The Odd Couple.

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