Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Morrie Ryskind

Role / Field:

American dramatist, lyricist, and writer known for Broadway hits and political activism.

Born:

1895-10-20

Died:

1985-08-24

Century / Era:

1895s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Morris Ryskind (October 20, 1895 – August 24, 1985) was an American dramatist, lyricist and writer of theatrical productions and movies who became a conservative political activist later in life. Ryskind was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Russian Jewish immigrants Ida (Edelson) and Abraham Ryskind. He attended Columbia University but was suspended shortly before he was due to graduate after he called university president Nicholas Murray Butler "Czar Nicholas" in the pages of the humor magazine Jester in 1917. Ryskind was criticizing Butler for refusing to allow Ilya Tolstoy to speak on campus.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

From 1927 to 1945, Ryskind was author of numerous scripts and musical lyrics for Broadway productions and Hollywood films, and he later directed several productions. He collaborated with George S. Kaufman on several Broadway hits. In 1933, he earned the Pulitzer Prize for drama for the Broadway production Of Thee I Sing, a musical written in collaboration with composer George Gershwin. Ryskind wrote or cowrote several Marx Brothers stage musicals and screenplays, including the book for the Broadway musical Animal Crackers (1929) (with Kaufman), as well as the screenplays...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abd El-Razzak El-Sanhuri — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): Pioneering Egyptian jurist, celebrated for authoring the revised Civil Code of 1948.
• Albert Cohen (novelist) — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): Greek-born Swiss novelist who wrote in French, known for his memoirs and international work.
• Aleksandr Vasilevsky — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): A pivotal Soviet general who commanded forces during WWII and served as Minister of Defense.
• Alex Honnold — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Pioneering free solo climber, famous for conquering El Capitan.
• Alexander Ovechkin — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Record-setting Russian left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals.
• Allyson Felix — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Legendary American track and field athlete, specializing in the 200m and 400m.
• Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt — Shared historical date (10-20 · Born) (1877): American sportsman and businessman, known for his involvement in pioneering endeavors.
• Andrea della Robbia — Shared historical date (10-20 · Born) (1435): Master Italian Renaissance sculptor renowned for pioneering glazed terra-cotta ceramics.
• A. S. Byatt — Shared historical date (08-24 · Born) (1936): Acclaimed English novelist, poet, and critic, celebrated for complex narratives.
• Andy Hug — Shared historical date (08-24 · Died) (2000): Legendary Swiss kickboxer known for his unique, powerful, and acrobatic striking style.
• 1895 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1895
• October 20 (10-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 20
• 1985 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1985
• August 24 (08-24) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 24

Frequently Asked Questions about Morrie Ryskind