Harold Prince

Date of Birth: January 30, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: July 31, 2019

Biography

Harold Smith Prince, commonly known as Hal Prince, was an iconic American theatrical producer and director who left an indelible mark on Broadway. Born on January 30, 1928, in New York City, Prince’s career spanned over six decades. He started as an apprentice and assistant stage manager to George Abbott, an influential figure in theater. Prince’s directorial debut came in 1962 with the musical “A Family Affair,” but his breakout success was producing the 1954 musical “The Pajama Game,” which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. Prince’s illustrious career included collaborations with some of Broadway’s most renowned composers and lyricists, including Stephen Sondheim. His productions, such as “West Side Story,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Cabaret,” “Sweeney Todd,” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” have become timeless classics. Over his career, Prince won an astounding 21 Tony Awards, more than anyone else in history. He passed away on July 31, 2019, but his legacy in the world of theater continues to inspire and entertain.

5 Interesting Facts about Harold Prince

1. Harold Prince won a total of 21 Tony Awards, the most by any individual in history.

2. He was one of the key figures behind the longest-running musical in Broadway history, “The Phantom of the Opera.”

3. Prince attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in English.

4. He was a mentor to many in the theater industry, including the acclaimed director and choreographer Susan Stroman.

5. Prince’s influence extended beyond Broadway; he also directed operas and was involved in television adaptations of some of his stage works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harold Prince

1. “I think that the thing I love about my life is that I’ve been living it my way. For better or worse, I’m living it my way.”

2. “The thrill of working in the theater is the joy of creating something that can make people think or feel differently about life.”

3. “Directing is a mixture of practicality and emotion — a balance between the two.”

4. “Theater is a collaborative art form. You need everyone to be on the same page to create something magical.”

5. “I always direct with the audience in mind. What will they think? How will they feel?”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Harold Prince was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Harold Prince had two children with his wife, Judy Chaplin. Their names are Daisy Prince, a theater director and writer, and Charles Prince, a conductor and pianist.