Origins & Early Life

Marvin Neil Simon (July 4, 1927 – August 26, 2018) was an American playwright, screenwriter and author. He wrote more than 30 plays and nearly the same number of movie screenplays, mostly film adaptations of his plays. He received three Tony Awards and a Golden Globe Award, as well as nominations for four Academy Awards and four Primetime Emmy Awards. He was awarded a Special Tony Award in 1975, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1991, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1995 and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2006.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Simon grew up in New York City during the Great Depression. His parents' financial difficulties affected their marriage, giving him a mostly unhappy and unstable childhood. He often took refuge in movie theaters, where he enjoyed watching early comedians like Charlie Chaplin. After graduating from high school and serving a few years in the Army Air Force Reserve, he began writing comedy scripts for radio programs and popular early television shows. Among the latter were Sid Caesar's Your Show of Shows (where in 1950 he worked alongside other young writers including Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Larry Gelbart and Selma Diamond), and The Phil Silvers Show, which...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Contemporary (Born in 1927) (1927): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and emotionally engaging style.
• Al Martino — Contemporary (Born in 1927) (1927): Iconic Italian-American crooner, celebrated for standards and his role in The Godfather.
• Albert Uderzo — Contemporary (Born in 1927) (1927): Pioneering French comic artist, co-creator of the iconic Astérix series.
• Alan Bean — Contemporary (Died in 2018) (2018): American astronaut, naval officer, and lunar explorer who walked on the Moon.
• Alexander Zakharchenko — Contemporary (Died in 2018) (2018): Pro-Russian separatist leader and head of the Donetsk People's Republic.
• Amos Oz — Contemporary (Died in 2018) (2018): Pioneering Israeli novelist, journalist, and intellectual whose works explored Palestinian life.
• Abbas Kiarostami — Shared historical date (07-04 · Died) (2016): Master Iranian filmmaker known for blending fiction and documentary styles.
• Abe Saperstein — Shared historical date (07-04 · Born) (1902): Founder of the Harlem Globetrotters, revolutionized black basketball.
• Andrew Mellon — Shared historical date (08-26 · Died) (1937): American banker, industrialist, and politician who served as Secretary of the Treasury.
• Antonie van Leeuwenhoek — Shared historical date (08-26 · Died) (1723): Pioneering Dutch microscopist, known as the Father of Microbiology.
• 1927 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1927
• July 4 (07-04) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 4
• 2018 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2018
• August 26 (08-26) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 26