Award-winning playwright Neil Simon died August 26 at age 91. He was known for his plays Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple, The Sunshine Boys, California Suite, and Brighton Beach Memoirs, among many others.
Read: NEIL SIMON, COMEDIC PLAYWRIGHT AND COMMERCIAL POWERHOUSE, DIES AT 91
Mr. Simon was often noted as the most commercially successful American playwright of the latter half of the 20th century. He also succeeded with musicals, collaborating on Little Me, Sweet Charity, Promises, Promises, and They’re Playing Our Song.
In the wake of his death, members of the Broadway community took to Twitter to share their thoughts and memories. See their comments below.
Neil Simon - gone! A loss 4 the entire entertainment industry.
— Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) August 26, 2018
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.
Oh beloved Neil Simon. RIP great one. :(
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) August 26, 2018
Neil Simon was one of the most generous, humble creative minds I’ve ever had the honor of working with.
Quick story...
In 1998 I was once standing just inside the stage door of ‘Little Me’ when he came up to me and asked how I was and what I was doing.
— Michael Park (@park24hrs) August 26, 2018
So honored to have worked for the great playwright Neil Simon. I was 22 yrs. old & played Fran Kubelik in the London production of “Promises, Promises”. He taught me a lot. Thank you,… https://t.co/oNew2OgydJ
— Betty Buckley (@BettyBuckley) August 26, 2018
“If I had a choice between playing for the New York Yankees, or seeing my cousin Nora’s bare breasts for two and a half seconds... I’d have some very serious thinking to do”.
-Neil Simon.
Still funny.
RIP
— steven pasquale (@StevePasquale) August 26, 2018
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
Rest In Peace, Neil Simon. I shall never forget your acceptance speech for “Lost in Yonkers” and the howling from the audience it received. So much laughter, so much heart. Your works will live on.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) August 26, 2018
This was the last time I saw #NeilSimon but had spent many wonderful and, of course, very funny times with him over the years. Wow Hard to believe the world is without him. #OneInABillion https://t.co/l1AECl1H6v
— Marilu Henner (@TheRealMarilu) August 26, 2018
Such a sad day...RIP to the legend Neil Simon. pic.twitter.com/6nOQmWqx2Z
— Aᴅᴀᴍ Sʜᴀᴘɪʀᴏ (@adamshapiro) August 26, 2018
I was blessed to have worked with the great Neil Simon. His work, even at worst, was a joy to behold. He made the world laugh for decades. He touched us. He enlightened us. He employed so many of us. I’m so grateful to have known him. Make God laugh, Doc. #NeilSimon
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) August 26, 2018
One of my favorite writers����Par excellence! Neil Simon R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/8WD7jDkm9S
— Nathan Lee Graham (@nathanleegraham) August 26, 2018
Neil Simon thank you for the master class on writing and comic timing. There will never be another so buoyant, original, hilarious and touching.
— kathy najimy (@kathynajimy) August 26, 2018
You live on in our joy.
I loved "The Odd Couple" on TV but never really appreciated Neil Simon. Then I read his book. I learned how dedicated he was to his craft & how insanely hard it is. I was blown away. Then I saw Lost In Yonkers ❤️ & soon after I wrote my 1st play. MUCH RESPECT to a GREAT WRITER! pic.twitter.com/rdOrcKAWoJ
— Stephen Adly Guirgis (@CookieRiverside) August 26, 2018
Neil Simon. Thank you for a lifetime of laughs, tears, greatness. https://t.co/jXoOaevkgZ
— Mario Cantone (@macantone) August 26, 2018
Neil Simon the true Sunshine Boy. Happy I got to have fun with him. Peace
— Danny DeVito (@DannyDeVito) August 26, 2018
My #NeilSimon story. Rehearsing Sweet Charity workshop: Neil was rewriting scene. I said the line he had written 4 my character and everyone laughed. He said,”I didn’t even know that was gonna be funny.” #livingwithalegend #luckygirl #myNeilSimonstory
— jen cody (@Jen__Cody) August 26, 2018
Nobody could write a joke like Neil Simon. His one two combo of setup, punchline was unparalleled. As a kid, I marveled at his scripts & they fed my inner comic voice. He left comedy footprints on my brain. pic.twitter.com/MHQthAARGU
— Steven Boyer (@SteveBoyer5000) August 26, 2018
Rest in peace, Neil. pic.twitter.com/tRCHsO6uqr
— Noah Robbins (@noahrobbinsman) August 26, 2018
I’ll always treasure the memories of making my West End debut in Neil Simon’s first play ‘Come Blow Your Horn’. From the first laugh, I knew I’d found my home on stage and the laughter continued many times as an audience member and fan of his incredible body of work.
— Michael Crawford (@CrawfordMichael) August 26, 2018
