Gene Saks

Date of Birth: November 8, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: March 28, 2015

Biography

Gene Saks was an American director and actor, renowned for his work both on Broadway and in film. Born on November 8, 1921, in New York City, Saks initially pursued a career in acting before transitioning to directing. He became well-known for his collaborations with playwright Neil Simon, directing several of Simon’s plays that later became iconic films. Saks’ work earned him numerous accolades, including three Tony Awards for Best Direction of a Play. His contributions to the entertainment industry spanned over five decades, making him one of the most respected figures in theater and film direction.

5 Interesting Facts about Gene Saks

1. Gene Saks served in the United States Navy during World War II.

2. He directed the original Broadway productions of Neil Simon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs” and “Biloxi Blues.”

3. Saks was married to actress Bea Arthur from 1950 until their divorce in 1978; they had two sons together.

4. He won Tony Awards for directing “I Love My Wife,” “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” and “Biloxi Blues.”

5. Saks also had a successful acting career, appearing in films such as “Nobody’s Fool” and “Deconstructing Harry.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gene Saks

1. “Directing is really exciting. In the end, it’s more fun to be the painter than the paint.”

2. “A director must be a policeman, a midwife, a psychoanalyst, a sycophant, and a bastard.”

3. “The theater is a collaborative art form. It’s about bringing together all the elements to create something magical.”

4. “Comedy is serious business. You have to approach it with the same intensity as drama.”

5. “The joy of directing is in the discovery, the collaboration, and the final creation.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Gene Saks’ net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Gene Saks had two sons with his first wife, Bea Arthur: Matthew Saks and Daniel Saks. He also had a daughter, Annabelle, with his second wife, Karen Kaufman.