Neil Simon

Born Marvin Neil Simon in The Bronx on Independence Day 1927, he began his writing career in his early twenties working in radio and TV. Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and Woody Allen were all cutting their comedic teeth on this new medium and Simon knew he was among talent. In the '60s Simon brought his unique brand of humour to the New York theatre scene, having early success with his second play, 'Barefoot in the Park'. Arguably the world's most successful contemporary playwright many of his plays have been transferred to the silver screen, often adapted by himself, and he has also written original screenplays and adapted the work of others. "If no one ever took risks, Michaelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor." - Neil Simon