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Oscar Hammerstein IIAmerican writer, producer
Date of Birth: 12.07.1895
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Oscar Hammerstein II
Oscar Hammerstein II was an American writer, producer, and author of the librettos for many famous musicals. He was born on July 12, 1895, to William and Alice Hammerstein. His father came from a not very religious Jewish family, while his mother, formerly Alice Nimmo, grew up in a family of Scottish immigrants, so their children were raised as Christians. His grandfather was Oscar Hammerstein I, a famous opera impresario who built several theaters.
Early Life
Although William Hammerstein was closely connected to the world of theater, producing vaudevilles and managing a theater, he did not want his son to be involved in this art, so Oscar enrolled in Columbia University to study law. After his father's death in 1914, he participated in the Varsity Show, the Columbia University theater festival, with his play "On Your Way". After participating in the festival a few more times, he decided to leave his studies and dedicate himself to the theater.
Collaboration with Richard Rodgers
The most fruitful collaboration began in 1943 when Hammerstein started working with Richard Rodgers. Together, they created musicals such as "Oklahoma!", "Carousel", "South Pacific", "The Sound of Music" (which was later adapted into a film), and many others. Hammerstein is the only Oscar winner named Oscar. He received the Academy Award for Best Original Song twice: in 1941 for the song "The Last Time I Saw Paris" from the film "Lady Be Good" and in 1945 for the song "It Might As Well Be Spring" from the film "State Fair". In 1950, he and Rodgers received the gold medal from "The Hundred Year Association of New York" for their outstanding contributions to New York. He was also twice honored with the Pulitzer Prize and received five Tony Awards.
Later Years and Legacy
Hammerstein died at the age of 65 from stomach cancer shortly after the musical "The Sound of Music" premiered on Broadway. He was cremated, and his ashes rest at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York. He did not live to see one of his best musicals turn into a successful film, which was released in 1965 and received five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. However, he is most widely known to the general public as the composer of the music for this film.
