Israel Horovitz

Date of Birth: March 31, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: November 9, 2020

Biography

Israel Horovitz was an acclaimed American playwright, screenwriter, and director, known for his extensive and influential body of work in theater and film. Born on March 31, 1939, in Wakefield, Massachusetts, Horovitz developed an early interest in the arts, which led him to pursue a career in playwriting. Over the course of his career, he wrote more than 70 produced plays, including notable works such as “Line,” “The Indian Wants the Bronx,” and “Park Your Car in Harvard Yard.” His plays have been translated into over 30 languages and performed worldwide. Horovitz also ventured into screenwriting and directing, contributing to films like “Author! Author!” starring Al Pacino and “My Old Lady” featuring Maggie Smith and Kevin Kline. He founded the Gloucester Stage Company in Massachusetts and was involved in various theatrical institutions. Horovitz received numerous awards and honors, including the OBIE Award, the Drama Desk Award, and several lifetime achievement accolades. Despite his professional success, Horovitz’s career was later marred by allegations of sexual misconduct, which emerged in the late 2010s. He passed away on November 9, 2020, but his impact on American theater remains significant.

5 Interesting Facts about Israel Horovitz

1. Israel Horovitz’s play “Line” holds the record for the longest-running play in Off-Off-Broadway history, having been in continuous production since 1974.

2. He was the father of Beastie Boys member Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz.

3. Horovitz co-founded the New York Playwrights Lab, which has nurtured many emerging playwrights.

4. His play “The Indian Wants the Bronx” won the 1968 OBIE Award for Best Play.

5. He was a recipient of the Commandeur dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, one of France’s highest cultural honors.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Israel Horovitz

1. “Theater is the most wonderful place to teach the world about itself.”

2. “Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted.”

3. “I write plays to create a world that I can live in.”

4. “Every play is a life lesson disguised as entertainment.”

5. “Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Israel Horovitz’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Israel Horovitz had three children: Adam Horovitz (also known as Ad-Rock of the Beastie Boys), Rachel Horovitz (a film producer), and Matthew Horovitz (a television producer).