Elaine May

Date of Birth: April 21, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Elaine May is an iconic American comedian, actress, director, screenwriter, and playwright, best known for her groundbreaking work in the 1950s and 1960s as part of the comedy duo Nichols and May. Born Elaine Iva Berlin, May’s career began in the 1950s when she teamed up with Mike Nichols to form Nichols and May, a comedy duo that became renowned for their improvisational skills and satirical humor. Their unique brand of comedy gained them nationwide fame, and they released several successful comedy albums and performed on Broadway. After the duo disbanded, May transitioned to a prolific career behind the camera and in writing. She directed several films, including “A New Leaf” (1971), “The Heartbreak Kid” (1972), and the controversial “Ishtar” (1987). Despite mixed reviews for some of her directorial work, May is widely recognized for her sharp wit and distinctive voice in American comedy and film. She also made significant contributions as a screenwriter, earning an Academy Award nomination for her work on “Heaven Can Wait” (1978) and “Primary Colors” (1998). May’s influence extends beyond her own performances and films; she has been a mentor to many in the industry and has left an indelible mark on American comedy and cinema.

5 Interesting Facts about Elaine May

1. Elaine May was a member of the improvisational comedy troupe The Compass Players, which later evolved into The Second City.

2. She was one of the first female directors to gain significant recognition in Hollywood.

3. May is known for her sharp and incisive writing style, which often explores the complexities of human relationships.

4. Despite the initial failure of her film “Ishtar,” it has since gained a cult following and been re-evaluated by critics.

5. She received an Honorary Academy Award in 2019 for her contributions to the art of film.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Elaine May

1. “Comedy is tragedy plus time.”

2. “I don’t know why the universe is so determined to keep us apart.”

3. “A woman should be like a single flower, not a whole bouquet.”

4. “I think the reason I became a writer is that I wanted to be in control of the story.”

5. “One of the things I love about comedy is that it can be a way to talk about serious issues without being preachy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Elaine May’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Elaine May has one daughter, Jeannie Berlin, who is also an accomplished actress and screenwriter known for her roles in “The Heartbreak Kid” (1972) and “Inherent Vice” (2014).