Neil Simon, playwright of such comedies as The Odd Couple and The Sunshine Boys, died Sunday at the age of 91.
Shortly after news of his death broke, stars paid their respects on social media to the iconic scribe who boasted more combined Oscar (four) and Tony (17, winning three times) nominations than any other writer.
“There is no American comedy writer whose work isn’t influenced by the rhythm and music of Neil Simon’s words. With gratitude, Doc,” The Big Bang Theory exec producer Bill Prady tweeted.
With a career that spanned five decades and more than 40 plays, many of which he also adapted for the screen, Simon is arguably the most commercially successful American playwright in history.
“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,” wrote actor Harvey Fierstein.
See how stars remembered Simon below.
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
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
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
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
“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 #ThanksForTheLaughspic.twitter.com/NZIVGPLdst
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 26, 2018
Neil Simon. Comedy giant. RIP
— Brent Spiner (@BrentSpiner) August 26, 2018
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
