Neil Simon was a prolific American playwright and screenwriter, known for his sharp wit and memorable characters. Born on July 4, 1927, in the Bronx, New York, Simon enjoyed a career spanning over six decades. He wrote more than 30 plays and nearly the same number of movie screenplays, including iconic works like "The Odd Couple," "Barefoot in the Park," and "Lost in Yonkers," the latter earning him a Pulitzer Prize. Simon's contributions to theater earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Tony Awards and a place in the American Theater Hall of Fame. He passed away on August 26, 2018.