Tributes after death of playwright Neil Simon
Neil Simon, who wrote comedic hits such as The Odd Couple and Plaza Suite, has died aged 91.
The playwright died early yesterday of complications from pneumonia in a Manhattan hospital, according to Bill Evans, Simon’s longtime friend and the Schubert Organisation’s director of media relations.
Simon was the American theatre’s most successful and prolific playwright in the second half of the 20th century.
He won three regular Tonys, plus one for special achievement, as well as a Pulitzer and the Mark Twain prize for humour.
Simon’s successes included The Sunshine Boys, Plaza Suite and Sweet Charity.
Many of his plays were adapted into movies and one, The Odd Couple, became a popular TV series.
Neil Simon “truly was the king of Broadway comedy”, Elaine Paige said as she paid tribute to the late playwright.
Musical theatre star Paige wrote on Twitter: “RIP #Neilsimon Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and librettist for Sweet Charity & Promises, Promises as well as writing the book for musical Little Me. He truly was the king of #Broadway comedy.”
Actor Josh Gad said Simon “defined and shaped” his career. “To say that #Neilsimon was one of the primary influences on my life and career would be an understatement,” he tweeted.
“His work, as both a participant and audience, has defined and shaped me on my own journies and carr@eer trajectory. RIP to another lost legend.”
Actress Jillian Clare thanked the playwright for “decades of wonderful art”. She added the hashtag “#dimthelights”.
Actress Rosie Perez said the playwright’s star would “forever shine bright”.