He has written more than 30 plays, and has written many of those which have been adapted for the screen (more than 20 films). Simon started his writing career writing comedy for Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows,” and for the Phil Silver’s Show in the 1950’s. Simon’s first play was “Come blow your horn,” in 1961, which ran for 678 performances at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. His next play would be the successful “Barefoot in the Park,” in 1963, followed by his 1965 Tony award winning play “The Odd Couple” (Though Simon has been nominated 17 times for a Tony award, he has only won 3 and has been nominated for an Oscar 4 times for his screenplays). Theatre critic John Lahr has said that Simon’s primary themes deal with about being the “silent majority” in society, those who feel isolated, insecure, and frustrated. His characters are likable and easy for the audiences to identify with, as they too are struggling to find a sense of belonging, have troubled relationships in business, marriage, or friendships. In his plays, Simon seems to capture memories of growing up, or times gone by, in which we can all wistfully relate to and understand (if not long for). He truly is a living legend of the theatre and film; it is no wonder that he won the Mark Twain Prize for Humor in
He has written more than 30 plays, and has written many of those which have been adapted for the screen (more than 20 films). Simon started his writing career writing comedy for Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows,” and for the Phil Silver’s Show in the 1950’s. Simon’s first play was “Come blow your horn,” in 1961, which ran for 678 performances at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. His next play would be the successful “Barefoot in the Park,” in 1963, followed by his 1965 Tony award winning play “The Odd Couple” (Though Simon has been nominated 17 times for a Tony award, he has only won 3 and has been nominated for an Oscar 4 times for his screenplays). Theatre critic John Lahr has said that Simon’s primary themes deal with about being the “silent majority” in society, those who feel isolated, insecure, and frustrated. His characters are likable and easy for the audiences to identify with, as they too are struggling to find a sense of belonging, have troubled relationships in business, marriage, or friendships. In his plays, Simon seems to capture memories of growing up, or times gone by, in which we can all wistfully relate to and understand (if not long for). He truly is a living legend of the theatre and film; it is no wonder that he won the Mark Twain Prize for Humor in