Sime Silverman facts for kids

Simon J. Silverman (born May 19, 1873 – died September 22, 1933) was an American journalist and newspaper publisher. He is famous for starting Variety, a weekly newspaper in New York City in 1905. This paper shared news and reviews about theater and vaudeville shows. Later, in 1933, he launched Daily Variety in Hollywood, which focused on the growing movie industry.

Early Life of Sime Silverman

Simon J. Silverman was born on May 19, 1873, in Cortland, New York. His family was Jewish American. His father, Louis J. Silverman, was a businessman.

Sime Silverman's Career Journey

Silverman started his career working for his father. In 1903, he became a journalist for a newspaper called Daily America. He wrote articles using a special name, or pen name, "The Man in the Third Row."

After Daily America closed, he joined The Morning Telegraph in New York. However, he was fired in 1905. This happened because he wrote a review saying a new show was "n.g." (no good). He didn't know that the actress in the show had paid the newspaper for advertising. Silverman believed he should always tell the truth in his reviews. Because of this, he decided to start his own newspaper.

Starting Variety

With a loan of $1,500 from his father-in-law, George Freeman, Silverman launched his own newspaper called Variety. He was both the publisher and the editor. In 1931, he passed the editor job to Abel Green. But Silverman remained the publisher until he died. Shortly before his death, he also started the magazine Daily Variety.

During his career, Silverman was known as a very important person in show business. People called him the "oracle of show business" because he knew so much. He was also known for his unique way of writing and speaking. In 1934, Time magazine listed him as one of the "ten modern Americans who have done most to keep American jargon alive."

Expanding the Business

In 1920, Silverman bought an old building in New York City. This building became the main office for his company until it was sold in 1988. In 1922, he also bought another entertainment newspaper called the New York Clipper.

Personal Life and Legacy

Silverman married Harriett Freeman in 1895. They lived in a building called The Langham in Manhattan.

Sime Silverman had a lung condition. Because of his health, he spent the two winters before his death in California.

He passed away on September 22, 1933, in Los Angeles. He was 60 years old. His son, Sidne Silverman, who was also known as Sid or "Skigie," took over as the publisher of both Variety and Daily Variety. Later, his grandson, Syd, became the third publisher of Variety, continuing the family's work.

A book about Silverman's life was written by Dayton Stoddart in 1941.