Israel Horovitz

Date of Birth: March 31, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: November 9, 2020

Biography

Israel Horovitz was an influential American playwright, screenwriter, and director, born on March 31, 1939, in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Over his prolific career, Horovitz wrote more than 70 plays, which have been translated into over 30 languages and performed worldwide. Known for his realistic and often poignant storytelling, Horovitz’s works frequently explored themes of family dynamics, morality, and human frailty. Horovitz’s journey into theater began at a young age. He moved to New York City as a teenager, where he initially struggled but soon found success with his breakout play, “The Indian Wants the Bronx,” which premiered in 1968 and starred a young Al Pacino. The play earned Horovitz the Obie Award for Best Play. Throughout his career, Horovitz maintained a strong presence in both theater and film. He wrote screenplays for several notable films, including “Author! Author!” (1982), starring Al Pacino, and “Sunshine” (1999). His 2014 film, “My Old Lady,” which he also directed, featured Maggie Smith and Kevin Kline. Horovitz was also a co-founder of the Gloucester Stage Company in Massachusetts and served as its artistic director for many years. Despite his success, he faced controversy later in his career when allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, leading to his resignation from various positions.

5 Interesting Facts about Israel Horovitz

1. Israel Horovitz was the most-produced American playwright in French theater history.

2. He was a co-founder of the New York Playwrights Lab and served as its artistic director.

3. Horovitz’s son, Adam Horovitz, is a member of the famous hip-hop group Beastie Boys.

4. He received multiple awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Drama Desk Award.

5. Horovitz held the title of Commandeur dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, one of France’s highest cultural honors.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Israel Horovitz

1. “I believe in the power of theater as a place for people to come together in a dark room and share an experience.”

2. “A play is a blueprint, and the actors and directors are the architects who bring it to life.”

3. “Writing is a solitary activity, but the theater is a communal experience.”

4. “Stories are the most potent tool we have to explore the human condition.”

5. “In the end, all we really have is our relationships with each other.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Israel Horovitz’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

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