AJC Archives

Simon, Neil (born July 4, 1927) playwright

Neil Simon is one of the world’s most successful playwrights. His plays have been translated into dozens of languages and performed throughout the world. Simon is the only writer to have four Broadway productions running simultaneously. He has received Tony Awards for The Odd Couple, Biloxi Blues and Lost in Yonkers, which also received the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

[chronological order]

Growing up on the streets of New York, ethnic enclaves within the neighborhood, class distinctions, feeling like a second-class citizen due to his family's economic level. (Jan. 21, 1971)
Length: 3 min. 29 sec.

The production of his first full-length play, Come Blow Your Horn, trial runs in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, the excitement and tension of opening night on Broadway. (Jan. 21, 1971)
Length: 5 min. 55 sec.

Discusses how The Odd Couple was not written simply as comedy, but had a serious side that the audience usually missed or refused to recognize. (Jan. 21, 1971)
Length: 1 min. 27 sec.

How being Jewish affected his life, why so many comedy writers are Jewish. (Jan. 21, 1971)
Length: 1 min. 03 sec.