Tony-winning director of stage and film; actor -- via the New York Times. AKA Jean Michael Saks. He was one of the great shapers of American wit. He will be best remembered as the primary director of late-career Neil Simon comedies, both on stage and in film -- "Brighton Beach Memoirs," "Biloxi Blues," "Broadway Bound," "Lost in Yonkers"; "Barefoot in the Park," "The Odd Couple." He also created hits such as "Mame," "Last of the Red Hot Lovers," "I Love My Wife," "Same Time, Next Year," "Enter Laughing," and "Barrymore." He was money in the bank, absolutely dependable. If he got his hands on it, you would have a good time. A pro and a role model.
For you trivia fans out there, he most memorably played Leo Herman, aka Chuckles the Chipmunk, on both Broadway and in the 1965 film version of "A Thousand Clowns."
