Moss Hart

Date of Birth: October 24, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: December 20, 1961

Biography

Moss Hart was an influential American playwright and director, best known for his collaborations with George S. Kaufman on classic plays such as “You Can’t Take It with You” and “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” Born in New York City, Hart grew up in relative poverty, which fueled his ambition and perseverance. His career breakthrough came with the 1930 play “Once in a Lifetime,” co-written with Kaufman, which satirized Hollywood’s transition to sound films. Hart’s wit and keen observational skills made his work resonate with audiences, and he became a prominent figure in American theatre. In addition to his theatrical successes, Hart also directed several Broadway productions and wrote the screenplay for the 1954 film “A Star is Born.” Hart was married to actress-singer Kitty Carlisle, with whom he had two children. He passed away in 1961, leaving behind a legacy of timeless works that continue to be celebrated.

5 Interesting Facts about Moss Hart

1. Moss Hart won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1937 for “You Can’t Take It with You.”

2. He directed the original Broadway production of “My Fair Lady,” which became one of the most successful musicals of all time.

3. Hart’s autobiography, “Act One,” published in 1959, is considered a classic account of the Broadway scene.

4. He was a member of the Algonquin Round Table, a celebrated group of New York City writers, critics, and actors.

5. Hart’s collaboration with George S. Kaufman produced some of the most enduring comedies in American theatre.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Moss Hart

1. “A play is made by sensing how the forces in life simulate ignorance—you set the scene, and let it happen.”

2. “Self-expression is an essential part of the creative process, and the most crucial element in any endeavor.”

3. “The only credential the city asked was the boldness to dream.”

4. “The theatre is not so much a profession as a disease, and my first look at Broadway was the beginning of a lifelong infection.”

5. “So far as I know, anything worth hearing is not usually uttered at seven o’clock in the morning; and if it is, it will generally be repeated at a more reasonable hour for a larger and more wakeful audience.”