Neil Simon

Date of Birth: July 4, 1927

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: August 26, 2018

Biography

Neil Simon was an American playwright, screenwriter, and author who became one of the most successful and prolific writers in American theater history. Born in New York City, Simon grew up in the Bronx and began his writing career working for television, including famous shows like “Your Show of Shows” and “The Phil Silvers Show”. He transitioned to writing for the theater, where he found his true calling. Simon’s first Broadway play, “Come Blow Your Horn,” opened in 1961 and marked the beginning of an extraordinarily successful career. He went on to write over 30 plays, many of which were adapted into films. His works are known for their sharp wit, relatable characters, and humor, often drawn from his own life experiences. Some of his most famous plays include “Barefoot in the Park,” “The Odd Couple,” “Lost in Yonkers,” and “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” Simon received numerous awards throughout his career, including several Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. He passed away on August 26, 2018, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence writers and entertain audiences.

5 Interesting Facts about Neil Simon

1. Neil Simon was the only living playwright to have a New York theater named in his honor; the Neil Simon Theatre was dedicated to him in 1983.

2. He was nominated for more Academy Awards and Tony Awards combined than any other writer.

3. His play “Lost in Yonkers” won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1991.

4. Before becoming a playwright, Simon wrote for television alongside other notable writers like Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, and Carl Reiner.

5. He was known for drawing from his own life experiences, especially his Jewish upbringing in New York City, which is reflected in many of his works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Neil Simon

1. “If no one ever took risks, Michaelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor.”

2. “I don’t like writing for comedians. I like writing for actors. The best comedians are the best actors.”

3. “It’s always painful when you see that people are not taking you seriously.”

4. “Writing is an escape from a world that crowds me. I like being alone in a room. It’s almost a form of meditation—an investigation of my own life.”

5. “I think part of being a writer is being able to come up with a lot of ideas and then having the discipline to sit down and work out the ideas.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Neil Simon’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $30 million.

Children

Neil Simon had three children. He had two daughters, Ellen Simon and Nancy Simon, from his first marriage to Joan Baim. He also adopted his second wife Marsha Mason’s daughter, named Bryn.