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Neil Simon

By GGIlBOSS

  • Born July 4 in The Bronx, New York City.

    His Independence Day birthday symbolized his future focus on American life and humor.

  • Parents’ troubled marriage inspired his later plays about family conflict.

    around the 1930s
  • Joins the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII.

    Joins the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII.

    His military service exposed him to diverse people, shaping his comedic timing and empathy.

  • Begins writing comedy sketches with his brother Danny Simon

    Danny mentored him, and their shared love for laughter became Neil’s foundation in comedy.
  • Writes for Your Show of Shows with Sid Caesar.

    Writes for Your Show of Shows with Sid Caesar.

    Learned the discipline of writing daily and working with top comedians like Mel Brooks.
  • Marries Joan Baim.

    Marries Joan Baim.

    Her death in 1973 deeply affected him and inspired more emotional works. She died of brain cancer
  • Come Blow Your Horn

    Come Blow Your Horn

    first Broadway success, about growing up and independence.
  • Barefoot in the Park

    Barefoot in the Park

    romantic comedy about marriage.
  • The Odd Couple

    The Odd Couple

    won Tony Award, later became a hit film and TV series. Inspired by his brother’s real-life experiences after divorce.
  • Writes Sweet Charity musical (book).

    Writes Sweet Charity musical (book).

  • The Prisoner of Second Avenue

    The Prisoner of Second Avenue

    satire on urban stress.

  • Marries actress Marsha Mason, inspiring Chapter Two.

  • Chapter Two

    Chapter Two

    autobiographical story about love and grief.

  • divorced Marsha Mason

  • Brighton Beach Memoirs

    Brighton Beach Memoirs

    draws from his teenage life in Brooklyn.
  • Biloxi Blues

    Biloxi Blues

    reflects his army days.
  • Broadway Bound

    Broadway Bound

    completes his semi-autobiographical trilogy.
  • Lost in Yonkers

    Lost in Yonkers

    wins Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

  • Marries Elaine Joyce.

  • Receives Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime achievement.

  • dies August 26 in Manhattan

    He is beaten to death and left on the shore. Simon's death is important because he intended to bring the true identity of the beast to the boys. Had he been allowed to be heard, Jack's rule may have ended. The savage beast lives in Jack and his followers, not in the figure in the mountaintop.