Jerome Lawrence American screenwriter and novelist Date of Birth: 14.07.1915 Country: USA

1. Biography of Jerome Lawrence
2. Early Career
3. Success in Theater
4. American Playwrights' Theatre
5. Collaboration and Later Works
6. Later Life and Death

Biography of Jerome Lawrence

Jerome Lawrence Schwartz, known professionally as Jerome Lawrence, was an American playwright and writer. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Sarah Schwartz, a poet, and Samuel Schwartz, a printer.

Early Career

Lawrence initially worked as a reporter and editor for several small newspapers before transitioning to radio and writing for CBS. During World War II, Lawrence collaborated with Robert E. Lee on Armed Forces Radio, where they launched successful projects like "Favorite Story".

Success in Theater

In 1955, Lawrence and Lee shifted their focus to theater. Their play "Inherit the Wind" remains one of the most frequently performed plays in American theater. They also achieved success with their works "Auntie Mame", "The Incomparable Max", and "First Monday in October".

American Playwrights' Theatre

In 1965, Jerome and Lee founded the American Playwrights' Theatre, viewing it as a counter to the heavily commercialized Broadway scene. They staged one of their most successful collaborations, "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail", at Ohio State University, Lawrence's alma mater.

Collaboration and Later Works

In total, Lawrence and Lee wrote 39 works together. They adapted James Hilton's "Lost Horizon" into a successful musical called "Shangri-La", with Lawrence actively involved in its creation. They also turned "Auntie Mame" into a musical, featuring music by Jerry Herman and earning Angela Lansbury a Tony Award.

Later Life and Death

Jerome Lawrence passed away on February 29, 2004, in Malibu, California, due to complications from a stroke. He left behind a legacy of successful plays and musicals that continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.