Neil Simon
Birth Place: Bronx, NY, USA
MIDNIGHT AT THE NEW DAWN to Make World Premiere at Kelsey Theatre (May 20, 2026)
Conversation With Jason Alexander is Coming to Chicago Shakespeare Theater (May 20, 2026)
Bryan Cranston Teases Possible Broadway Return in ALL MY SONS Transfer (May 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.
Photos
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
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: First Look at Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson in MICHAEL Biopic
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
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
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-01 12:26:24
Video: Netflix Releases Trailer for Conan O'Brien Mark Twain Prize Special
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-29 13:36:21
Video: The Cast of MJ THE MUSICAL Performs 'ABC,' 'I Want You Back' & More in A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS
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!
by Joshua Wright - 2024-08-06 10:10:37
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
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2023-11-16 13:59:27
Photos & Video: MJ Celebrates Halloween With Special 'Thriller' Performance
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-11-01 12:08:22
News
by A.A. Cristi - May 20, 2026
Maurer Productions OnStage and Maurer TheaterWorks announced a co-production of MIDNIGHT AT THE NEW DAWN, an original ensemble comedy written and directed by Perry Award-winning Dan Maurer, with open auditions at Mercer County Community College.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2026
Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present the return of Jason Alexander for a special event, As Long As You’re Asking: A Conversation with Jason Alexander.
by Josh Sharpe - May 19, 2026
Tony Award-winner Bryan Cranston has shared that he expects the award-winning West End production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons to transfer to Broadway next spring.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 18, 2026
Little Theatre of Fall River revealed its 93rd season, featuring six productions including Deathtrap, Irving Berlin's White Christmas, The Secret Garden and more.
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026
Jon Cryer steps into The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Vice Principal Douglas Panch starting May 11 at New World Stages.
by Sabrina Wallace - May 10, 2026
City Theatre Austin revisits Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple with nostalgic charm, a detailed lived-in set, and an entertaining ensemble led by Darwin Ragsdale and Zachary Gamble. While the pacing occasionally softens the comedy’s sharp edge, the production still delivers a fun night of classic laughs.
by Courtney Symes - May 8, 2026
Lincoln Theatre Company continues its successful season with a staple: Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs. This production is an impressive reminder of how powerful local theatre can be when every piece comes together, and this company always delivers. Director Yolla Ryder has ensured that this show feels polished, thoughtful, and emotionally grounded.
by Stephi Wild - May 6, 2026
Emmy Award-winning actress Penny Fuller will appear at Bucks County Playhouse for a one-night-only event featuring personal stories and songs from her six-decade career alongside music director Bruce Barnes.
by A.A. Cristi - May 4, 2026
City Theatre Austin is staging Neil Simon's Tony Award-winning comedy THE ODD COUPLE at Genesis Creative Collective in Austin, TX, as part of the company's 20th Anniversary Season.
by Joshua Wright - May 4, 2026
BroawayWorld has been following a three-alarm blaze inside Eugene O'Neill Theatre, home to The Book of Mormon. The fire, which had been upgraded from a two-alarm fire to a three-alarm fire, is now extinguished.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026
Dig Deep Theatre and Theatre Extempore announced a co-production of Kenneth Lonergan's THIS IS OUR YOUTH at The Olive Branch in Valencia, CA — marking the Santa Clarita Valley's first live staging of the acclaimed coming-of-age dramedy.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2026
Wasatch Theatre Company will present Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize-winning LOST IN YONKERS at the Regent Street Black Box in Salt Lake City, closing both its 28th season and a three-year residency at the venue.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 27, 2026
Michael, the new biopic about Michael Jackson, moonwalked into theaters this past weekend, grossing $97.2 million domestically and $121.6 across foreign markets, for a total of $218.8 million worldwide.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 24, 2026
Michael, the new biopic about Michael Jackson, grossed $12.6 million at the box office in preview showings on Wednesday and Thursday. This marks the highest previews in sales for a musical biopic to date.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 23, 2026
Henry Winkler has seen enormous onscreen success over the years, but his first Broadway outing was far from pleasant. Watch him reflect on the experience during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2026
Rubicon Theatre Company has revealed the cast and creative team for Eleanor, a tour-de-force solo performance about the remarkable First Lady whose legacy continues to inspire the world.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 21, 2026
Theatre Three revealed its 2026-27 season, featuring Spring Awakening, a new commission Gremlins! (mostly), Neil Simon's Rumors, and more, with rush tickets, and student discounted tickets available.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 20, 2026
Center Theatre Group has added ten new members to its Board of Directors: Stephen Cheung, Nancy Dennis, Sutton Foster, Jennifer Lewis, and more, bringing the number up to 56.
by Theresa Bertram - Apr 20, 2026
There’s something incredibly special about watching a young performer step into material that asks more of them—not just as an actor, but as a storyteller with empathy and insight. That’s exactly what Keegan Washington, a student at Little Rock Central High School, accomplished in his recent work in Brighton Beach Memoirs, bringing both sensitivity and thoughtfulness to a role that required emotional depth beyond his years.
by Patrick Doss - Apr 18, 2026
Rumors is a classic Neil Simon farce that turns one elegant dinner party into a complete disaster. As the night unravels, secrets, suspicions, and wild fabrications pile up along with the laughter.
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: 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.
Videos
