Alan Jay Lerner

Date of Birth: August 31, 1918

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: June 14, 1986

Biography

Alan Jay Lerner was an American lyricist and librettist who made significant contributions to musical theatre and film. Born into a wealthy family in New York City, Lerner attended Harvard University, where he wrote for the Hasty Pudding Theatricals. After graduating, he collaborated with composer Frederick Loewe, forming one of the most successful partnerships in Broadway history. Their works include classics like “My Fair Lady,” “Camelot,” and “Brigadoon.” In addition to his work with Loewe, Lerner also collaborated with composers like Kurt Weill, Burton Lane, and Leonard Bernstein. His career was decorated with numerous awards, including Academy Awards, Tony Awards, and Golden Globes. Despite his professional success, Lerner’s personal life was tumultuous, marked by multiple marriages and health issues. He passed away in 1986, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the world of musical theatre.

5 Interesting Facts about Alan Jay Lerner

1. Alan Jay Lerner won three Academy Awards during his career.

2. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1971.

3. Lerner was married eight times.

4. He struggled with health issues, including lung cancer, which eventually led to his death.

5. Lerner’s collaboration with Frederick Loewe produced some of the most enduring works in musical theatre history.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alan Jay Lerner

1. “A schedule so tight that it would only work if I didn’t sleep on Mondays.”

2. “Coughing in the theatre is not a respiratory ailment. It is a criticism.”

3. “You write a hit the same way you write a flop.”

4. “The audience is the best judge of anything. They cannot be lied to. Truth brings them closer. A moment of truth is worth more than anything else.”

5. “The worst thing about new books is that they keep us from reading the old ones.”