Gene Saks facts for kids

Gene Saks (born Jean Michael Saks; November 8, 1921 – March 28, 2015) was a talented American director and actor. He was known for his amazing work on Broadway and in movies. Gene Saks won three Tony Awards, which are like the Oscars for theater, for directing plays such as I Love My Wife, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Biloxi Blues. He also directed many popular films. He was honored by being added to the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Beginnings

Gene Saks was born in New York City. His parents were Beatrix and Morris J. Saks. He first discovered his love for theater when he was a student at Hackensack High School. After high school, he went to Cornell University.

After college, Gene Saks joined the United States Navy and served during World War II. He even took part in the important Normandy landings. Later, he studied acting at the Dramatic Workshop in New York. He also helped start a theater group at the Cherry Lane Theater. This was a time when "Off Broadway" theater was becoming very popular.

A Career in Acting and Directing

Gene Saks had a long and successful career in both acting and directing. He worked on many famous plays and movies.

On Stage: A Talented Actor

Gene Saks started his acting career on Broadway in 1949 with the musical South Pacific. He also appeared in other plays like A Shot in the Dark, The Tenth Man, and A Thousand Clowns. In A Thousand Clowns, he played a character named Leo "Chuckles The Chipmunk" Herman. He even played this role again in the movie version of the play. Later, he acted in films like The Prisoner of Second Avenue and Nobody's Fool, which starred Paul Newman.

Directing Broadway Hits

Gene Saks worked closely with the famous playwright Neil Simon. He directed many of Neil Simon's plays, including Biloxi Blues, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Lost in Yonkers, and The Odd Couple. He also directed other well-known Broadway shows like Mame, I Love My Wife, and Same Time, Next Year. His directing skills helped these plays become big successes.

Directing Movies for the Big Screen

Besides his work in theater, Gene Saks also directed several movies. Some of his famous films include Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple, and Cactus Flower. Cactus Flower was a big hit and even helped Goldie Hawn win an Academy Award for her acting. He also directed Mame and Brighton Beach Memoirs, which were based on plays he had directed.

His Family Life

Gene Saks was married to actress Bea Arthur from 1950 to 1978. They adopted two sons named Matthew and Daniel. Matthew later became an actor, and Daniel became a set designer. After his marriage to Bea Arthur ended, Gene Saks married Keren Saks in 1980. They had a daughter together. Gene Saks passed away on March 28, 2015, at the age of 93, due to pneumonia.

What He Directed and Acted In

Here are some of the movies, TV shows, and plays that Gene Saks directed or acted in.

Movies He Directed

Movies and TV Shows He Acted In

Plays He Acted In

Plays He Directed

Awards and Recognitions

Gene Saks received many awards and honors for his work in theater and film.

Tony Awards

Drama Desk Awards

• 1969 DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Movie – The Odd Couple - Nom
• 1991 Outer Critics Circle for Outstanding Direction of a Play - Lost in Yonkers - Won

Honours

• Gene Saks was honored by being inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1991.

See also

In Spanish: Gene Saks para niños