George S. Kaufman was born on November 16, 1889 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had a passion for the arts from a young age and began writing plays in his teenage years. Despite his interest in theater, he attended law school for three months before realizing that his true calling was in the world of entertainment.
After leaving law school, Kaufman worked a series of odd jobs before finding success as a critic and editor for The New York Times. His first play, "Someone in the House," debuted on Broadway in 1918 and marked the beginning of his prolific career as a playwright.
Kaufman went on to achieve great success on Broadway, winning a Tony award for his direction of the popular musical "Guys and Dolls." His play "You Can't Take It With You" and his book for the Gershwin musical "Of Thee I Sing" both earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. He also wrote the musical scores for several Marx Brothers films, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
In 1917, Kaufman married his first wife, Beatrice Bakrow. The couple had a daughter named Anne before divorcing. Kaufman later married Leueen MacGrath, but their marriage also ended in divorce after eight years.
George S. Kaufman is remembered as one of the most influential playwrights and theater directors of the 20th century. His sharp wit and comedic timing set him apart in the world of theater, and his contributions to the arts continue to be celebrated today.
Kaufman collaborated with some of the most talented artists of his time, including George Gershwin on the musical "Of Thee I Sing." This collaboration resulted in the show winning the 1932 Pulitzer Prize, solidifying Kaufman's reputation as a master of his craft.
In his later years, Kaufman continued to work in the theater industry, leaving a lasting impact on the world of entertainment. He passed away on June 2, 1961, but his legacy lives on through his timeless works and contributions to the arts.