Date of Birth: July 14, 1917
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: May 5, 2011
Biography
Arthur Laurents was an American playwright, stage director, and screenwriter. Born Arthur Levine on July 14, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, Laurents was a pivotal figure in 20th-century American theater. He is best known for his work on the landmark musicals “West Side Story” and “Gypsy,” both of which have become iconic pieces of American theater. Laurents’ career spanned over seven decades, during which he made significant contributions to both Broadway and Hollywood. Laurents began his career in radio before transitioning to screenwriting during World War II, where he wrote training films for the U.S. Army. His first Broadway play, “Home of the Brave,” debuted in 1945 and was later adapted into a successful film. Laurents’ versatility allowed him to excel in various genres, including drama, comedy, and musicals. In addition to “West Side Story” and “Gypsy,” Laurents wrote the books for “Anyone Can Whistle,” “Do I Hear a Waltz?,” and “Hallelujah, Baby!” He also directed numerous productions, earning critical acclaim for his innovative and emotionally resonant staging. Laurents was openly gay and lived with his partner, actor Tom Hatcher, for over 50 years until Hatcher’s death in 2006. Laurents passed away on May 5, 2011, in Manhattan, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking work that continues to influence the theater world.
5 Interesting Facts about Arthur Laurents
1. Arthur Laurents was blacklisted during the McCarthy era, which affected his career in Hollywood.
2. He won a Tony Award for Best Musical for “Hallelujah, Baby!” in 1968.
3. Laurents directed the 2009 Broadway revival of “West Side Story,” which incorporated Spanish dialogue and lyrics.
4. He served as a mentor to many young playwrights and directors, including Stephen Sondheim.
5. Laurents wrote an autobiography titled “Original Story By” in 2000, where he candidly discussed his career and personal life.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur Laurents
1. “The theater is a place where people come to see the truth about life and the social situation.”
2. “I don’t see plays because I can write them.”
3. “The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you.”
4. “The minute you start caring about what other people think, is the minute you stop being yourself.”
5. “A script is a blueprint; it is not finished until the actors and the director bring it to life.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Arthur Laurents achieved a highest net worth estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Arthur Laurents did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Arthur Laurents Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Laurents
2. [Arthur Laurents’ Biography on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0491168/bio
