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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


Review: Jobsite Theater Presents Martin McDonagh's THE PILLOWMAN at the Shimberg Playhouse
by Peter Nason - Mar 22, 2025

Harrowing & Hilarious, the play's comedy is pitch black and the show itself is pitch perfect.
Review: HALFWAY THERE: Sweet Song to Sisterhood & Small Town Life
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Mar 21, 2025

Lewiston’s Public Theatre’s latest production is a poignant, funny, and sweet ode to sisterhood and the joys of small town life. Set in Nova Scotia, Canadian playwright Norm Foster’s HALFWAY THERE pays tribute to bonds of female friendship forged in the confines of four ordinary lives played out in the hamlet of Stewiacke, whose only claim to fame is its location halfway between the Equator and the North Pole.
SWEET CHARITY Full Cast & Creative Team Unveiled At Blank Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 20, 2025

Blank Theatre Company has announced the cast and creative team for the first show of their 2025 season, SWEET CHARITY, music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and a book by Neil Simon.
LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR to Open in May at The Barnstable Comedy Club
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2025

The Barnstable Comedy Club will present LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR, a comedy by Neil Simon. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Neil Simon's RUMORS to be Presented at The Royal Players
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 17, 2025

The Royal Players will bring Neil Simon's Rumors to life. Written by Tony Award winning playwright, Neil Simon, Rumors is a beloved fast-paced comedy. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Hillbarn Theatre Reveals 2025-2026 Six-Show Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 14, 2025

Hillbarn Theatre is launching Season 85, a six-show season that examines change, transformation, and rebirth in ways both literal and metaphorical. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman, and Rachel Tucker Will Perform in GRAVITY at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025

For one performance at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane, these musical theatre icons unite for GRAVITY – a spectacular celebration of the roles that defined them, the songs that shaped them and the journey that made them stars.
Kate Marilley To Lead SWEET CHARITY At Gulfshore Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025

Gulfshore Playhouse has announced the cast of Sweet Charity, the dazzling, gritty, and heartfelt musical that will close out its season.
Meet the Cast of GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, Now in Previews on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2025

Good Night, and Good Luck is now in previews on Broadway,  The new play by George Clooney and Grant Heslov and directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer, stars Clooney in his Broadway debut. Meet the cast here!
ANNIE North American Tour Coming to Pikes Peak Center in March
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 11, 2025

The American Theatre Guild will present the iconic Tony Award®-winning musical ANNIE. This production is part of the 24–25 BROADWAY AT PIKES PEAK CENTER Series and will take the Pikes Peak Center stage March 24–26, 2025.
Meet the Cast of SMASH, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2025

The musical Smash, inspired by the hit NBC television series, will begin previews tonight, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and officially open Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. Meet the cast here!
Video: Robert Redford Makes Surprise Cameo in DARK WINDS Season Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 10, 2025

Last night’s Season 3 premiere of the AMC/AMC+ noir drama Dark Winds featured a surprise cameo from Broadway alum Robert Redford and esteemed author George R.R. Martin. Watch the clip here!
ANNIE Comes to the Lied Center This Month
by Stephi Wild - Mar 7, 2025

Leapin’ Lizards! An all-new tour of the Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE will play the Lied Center for Performing Arts this month. Learn more about the upcoming engagement here!
Neil Simon's LOST IN YONKERS Announced At Sarasota Jewish Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2025

Sarasota Jewish Theatre will present Neil Simon's “Lost in Yonkers” from March 19 to March 30, and the Be A Theatre Maven program for this play on March 21.
Comprehensive Guide to Broadway Actors in CBS's Hit Series ELSBETH
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 24, 2025

With more than twenty episodes having aired so far across its two seasons, BroadwayWorld has put together an exhaustive list of all the Broadway stars we could find who have appeared in CBS' Elsbeth.
Review Roundup: CONVERSATIONS WITH MOTHER, Starring Matt Doyle and Caroline Aaron
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 24, 2025

Conversations with Mother, a new comedy by Matthew Lombardo starring Caroline Aaron and Matt Doyle, just celebrated its opening night at Theater 555. Check out what the New York theater critics are saying about the new play...
Avon Players Will Perform LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2025

Beloved playwright Neil Simon’s recollections of his early career provide fodder for snappy comedy in Avon Players’ Laughter on the 23rd Floor, in performances this March.
Review: RUMORS at New Theatre Restaurant
by Alan Portner - Feb 23, 2025

A super cast makes the most of Neil Simon’s 1988 word-salad comedy masterpiece entitled RUMORS. RUMORS opened last week at New Theater Restaurant in Overland Park.   This one is played strictly for laughs.
Neil Simon's BROADWAY BOUND Opens At Fountain Hills Theater This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2025

Fountain Hills Theater will present Neil Simon's comedy, Broadway Bound. Set in 1949, the third of Neil Simon's autobiographical comedies, Broadway Bound, is the story of brothers, Eugene and Stanley Jerome, who are determined to become professional comedy writers.
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.

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 (Drama League Awards). He received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Lost in Yonkers, and won Best Play at the Tony Awards for both Lost in Yonkers and Biloxi Blues. Additionally, he won Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Best Play at the Tony Awards for The Odd Couple.

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