Date of Birth: July 14, 1915
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: February 29, 2004
Biography
Jerome Lawrence was an acclaimed American playwright, director, and author, best known for his collaborative works with Robert E. Lee. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Lawrence’s career spanned several decades during which he made significant contributions to American theater. He graduated from Ohio State University and later attended the University of California, Los Angeles. Alongside Lee, Lawrence co-authored numerous celebrated plays, including “Inherit the Wind,” “Auntie Mame,” and “The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail.” These works often tackled social issues and historical themes, resonating with audiences across generations. Lawrence’s dedication to the arts extended beyond writing; he was also a passionate educator and advocate for freedom of expression.
5 Interesting Facts about Jerome Lawrence
1. Jerome Lawrence co-founded the Armed Forces Radio Service during World War II, which provided entertainment and news to U.S. troops overseas.
2. “Inherit the Wind,” one of his most famous plays, was inspired by the Scopes “Monkey” Trial and has been adapted into several films and television productions.
3. Lawrence and Lee’s work “Auntie Mame” was adapted into a successful Broadway musical, “Mame,” starring Angela Lansbury.
4. Jerome Lawrence received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Tony Award and the Dramatists Guild Award.
5. He taught playwriting at several universities, including the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jerome Lawrence
1. “The theater is a great equalizer: it is the only place where the poor can look down on the rich.”
2. “A play is never finished; it is only abandoned.”
3. “The best way to see the future is to create it.”
4. “Inherit the Wind is not about science versus religion; it is about the right to think.”
5. “A good play is a critique of society, a mirror to our own follies and virtues.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
$10 million (estimated at the peak of his career)
Children
Jerome Lawrence did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia on Jerome Lawrence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Lawrence
4. [IMDb profile for Jerome Lawrence](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0493069/
5. [The Dramatists Guild profile](https://www.dramatistsguild.com/members/jeromelawrence
