We remember Neil Simon (1927-2018)

I’ve always felt that comedy writing is the highest form of writing.  Any reasonably competent writer can make someone cry.  To make someone laugh requires real talent. 
Neil Simon was a true comedy writer.  You laughed, and you never got a political lecture. 
The story said that Simon was part of the comedy shop that wrote for Sid Caesar.  Actually, they wrote for “Your Show of Shows,” one of the best variety programs of the 1950s, which starred Caesar, but also starred Imogene Coca.  It was that generation’s “must see” TV.
We have good comedy writers today, but the politicization of the entertainment industry, and the almost required use of foul language have dimmed the lights. 

Over the years, he was involved with Broadways shows like “Barefoot in the Park.” “The Odd Couple.” “Sweet Charity.” “Plaza Suite.” “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers.” “The Prisoner of Second Avenue.” “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” “Lost in Yonkers.” and “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.”

RIP Neil Simon.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.