Legendary playwright Neil Simon died Sunday due to complications from pneumonia at age 91.
The “Odd Couple” and “Barefoot in the Park” writer had more than 30 plays mounted on Broadway, and also wrote numerous films, some original and other adaptations of his theater works. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1991 for his play “Lost in Yonkers,” and received more Oscar and Tony nominations combined than any other writer.
Simon’s former wife and actress Marsha Mason posted a tribute to her ex-husband: “He was a great talent and man, husband and father. He shall be sorely missed . With his passing, his work and plays live on and will be enjoyed by many generations to come. I miss him deeply and always.”
“Neil Simon will always be one of my theatrical heroes and I am so proud to have played a small part in his unparalleled career and remarkable legacy,” said Nathan Lane in a statement. “My heartfelt condolences to his wife Elaine and the entire Simon family.”
The Tony Awards tweeted that he was a “God of Broadway.”
The final curtain has fallen for one of the gods of Broadway. Multiple #TonyAwards-winning playwright, librettist, screenwriter, and hitmaker Neil Simon has died at 91. Rest in peace. The @nytimes obit: https://t.co/XVgPLlEq9K pic.twitter.com/pZTtzYg0dU
— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) August 26, 2018
“Big Bang Theory” creator Bill Prady remembered Simon. “There is no American comedy writer whose work isn’t influenced by the rhythm and music of Neil Simon’s words,” he wrote. “With gratitude, Doc.”
There is no American comedy writer whose work isn’t influenced by the rhythm and music of Neil Simon’s words. With gratitude, Doc.
— Bill Prady (@billprady) August 26, 2018
“Mrs. Doubtfire” screenwriter Randi Mayem Singer also noted his lasting influence on comedy writers.
https://twitter.com/rmayemsinger/status/1033757170670559238
Dan Rather eloquently wrote, “He prodded us — in laughter and tears — to contend with the traits that make us human.”
Neil Simon brought a unique eye for life to stage and screen. Through sharp characters and dialogue, he prodded us – in laughter and tears – to contend with the traits that make us human. Another voice who understood the power of art in our American story now belongs to eternity.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) August 26, 2018
Josh Gad said that Simon’s work, “as both a participant and audience, has defined and shaped me on my own journies and [career] trajectory. RIP to another lost legend.”
To say that #NeilSimon was one of the primary influences on my life and career would be an understatement. 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.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 26, 2018
Mark Hamill called Simon a “GIANT of the American theatre” and included a quote from Simon. “#ThanksfortheLaughs.”
“There’s no more money anyone can pay me that I need. There are no awards they can give me that I haven’t won. I have no reason to write another play except that I am alive and I like to do it”-Neil Simon #RIP GIANT of the American Theatre #ThanksForTheLaughs pic.twitter.com/NZIVGPLdst
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 26, 2018
“Today Show” host Al Roker wrote that “the laughter and joy he leaves behind is priceless.”
What an enduring legacy Neil Simon leaves with his passing. The laughter and joy he leaves behind is priceless. pic.twitter.com/DniYQanbIP
— Al Roker (@alroker) August 26, 2018
British musical theater actress and singer Elaine Paige wrote that he “truly was the king of #Broadway comedy.”
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. pic.twitter.com/qlicguFVHZ
— Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) August 26, 2018
Playwright and Broadway actor Harvey Fierstein paid tribute to Simon. “A loss 4 the entire entertainment industry…What a gent.”
Neil Simon – gone! A loss 4 the entire entertainment industry.
He could write a joke that would make you laugh, define the character, the situation, and even the world's problems. First time I met him he looked at me and said, "Where the hell did they find you?" What a gent.— Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) August 26, 2018
“West Wing” and “Scandal” actor Josh Malina said he “grew up going to his plays in NYC.”
R.I.P. Neil Simon. Grew up going to his plays in NYC. Always hoped I’d work for him at some point.
— (((Josh Seasonal))) (@JoshMalina) August 26, 2018
See more reacts below.
“For a man who wants to be his own master, to depend on no one else, to make life conform to his own visions rather than to follow the blueprints of others, playwriting is the perfect occupation." Neil Simon
— Shaun Cassidy (@shaunpcassidy) August 26, 2018
A lot of my heroes are dying. What a sad few weeks this has been. #RIPNeilSimon
Neil Simon, a Master of Comedy on Broadway and Beyond, Is Dead at 91 https://t.co/F4qd2RQZve
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) August 26, 2018
A certain Broadway era is over with the death of writer Neil Simon. In 2004, he received a kidney transplant from his press agent, which is really getting your ten percent back.
— Lucy Prebble (@lucyprebblish) August 26, 2018
