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Neil Simon
Neil Simon was born on July 4, 1927
Grew up in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan.
Lived with parents Irving and Mamie, and older brother Danny.
Parents had a difficult marriage, with Irving his dad often leaving for months.
Found solace and delight in comedies during childhood. -
The Great Depression
Joined the Army Air Force Reserve. During Simon's younger days, he faced challenges due to his parents' turbulent relationship and the financial hardships of the Great Depression(1929-1939). Some nights, he would try to block out their arguments by burying his head under a pillow. His dad would often be away for long periods, which made things even tougher for the family both financially and emotionally. -
Schooling
Graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. Briefly attended New York University. -
Getting started
In the early 1950s, Neil and Danny Simon joined the writing team for the Sid Caesar television series "Your Show of Shows." They were in great company, working alongside talented writers like Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, and Carl Reiner. Neil Simon really excelled in his television career, and his work on the show even earned him Emmy Award consideration, alongside Caesar. -
His first musical
Neil Simon teamed up with his brother Danny for a musical called "Catch a Star!" It had a quick run on Broadway, starting at the Belasco Theatre on March 24, 1955, but sadly closed after just 23 performances. Even though it was short-lived, the show really highlighted Neil Simon's early skills as a playwright and showed his early love for the theater world. -
His first debut!!
Did you know that Neil Simon's first solo play, "Come Blow Your Horn," made its Broadway debut in 1961? It was a huge moment for him and had been through numerous revisions and improvements before it finally found success on stage. -
Broadway at the Biltmore Theatre
"Barefoot in the Park" is such a fun and heartwarming romantic comedy. It follows the newlywed couple, Corie and Paul, as they navigate the ups and downs of married life in a cozy New York City apartment. Their quirky personalities and funny situations really show the highs and lows of love and marriage. -
"The Odd Couple"
Neil Simon's humorous drama "The Odd Couple," which debuted on Broadway in 1965, centers on the lives of Felix Ungar and Oscar Madison, two mismatched roommates. Oscar is carefree and messy, whereas Felix is orderly and formal. Their differing personalities are delightfully explored in the drama as they learn to live together following the end of their individual marriages. -
"Promises, Promises"
The musical "Promises, Promises" is set in New York City in 1962 and centers on Chuck Baxter, a young Consolidated Life clerk who aspires to go up the corporate ladder. In return for professional progress, he lends executives an apartment for their affairs. But Chuck is in love with Fran Kubelik, who uses Chuck's apartment as a place of business for his romance with J.D. Sheldrake, Chuck's boss. -
"The Sunshine Boys"
"Lewis and Clark were famous comedians during the vaudeville era. Off-stage, though, they couldn't stand each other, and haven't spoken in over twenty years. Ben, Willy Clark's nephew, is the producer of a variety show that wants to feature a reunion of the classic duo." -
Inspiration strikes- Imperial Theatre in New York City
"Chapter Two," a 1977 play written by the talented Neil Simon. This moving tale follows the journey of widowed writer George Schneider, who is attempting to move on after the loss of his first love. As George navigates the ups and downs of the dating scene and eventually finds a new spark in fellow divorcee Jennie Malone, it digs into issues like grief, love, and second chances. Neil Simon genuinely put all of his feelings and experiences into this play. -
Being Awarded!
Neil Simon, a renowned playwright and screenwriter, received four Academy Award nominations and was honored with a Kennedy Center Honors recognition. He also received honorary degrees from institutions such as Williams College and Hofstra University. He became the first living playwright to have a Broadway theater named after him when the Neil Simon Theatre was dedicated by the Shubert Organization. -
Max Dugan Returns
The life of a low-income single mother and English teacher is completely upended when her father, who disappeared when she was a young girl, reappears with some questionable money and wishes to spend time with her and his unknown grandchild. -
Quote
"If you can go through life without experiencing pain you probably haven't been born yet." -
One too many
Neil Simon has a total of five marriages. From his first marriage to Joan Baim, he had two daughters: Ellen and Nancy Simon. He wed Marsha Mason in his second marriage, who was an actress with whom he had worked. Actress Diane Lander was his third wife; together, they had a daughter named Bryn. He wed actress Elaine Joyce following their split, but this union also failed. Eventually, in 1999, Simon wed the actress Elaine Joyce. -
Death
On August 26, 2018, at the age of 91, he passed away. He left behind a collection of tragic and humorous works that are still highly regarded and performed all over the world. Over the course of his remarkable career, Simon wrote over thirty plays and received several honors and recognitions, including a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, multiple Tony Awards, and four Academy Award nominations. -
Plays continue in the Neil Simon Theater
"MJ The Musical is set primarily at a rehearsal for Jackson's Dangerous World Tour in 1992. There, an MTV camera crew arrives to get footage and interviews for a documentary on the singer's career. As he sings his hit songs and gradually opens up to the interviewer, his memories and key moments in his career come to life." -