Garson Kanin (1912–99) was an American playwright, screenwriter, and director known for his wit and lasting contributions to theater and film. His career shaped Broadway and Hollywood storytelling.
Born in Rochester, New York, Kanin served in the U.S. Army during World War II, contributing to propaganda films. He studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before shifting to directing. His Broadway début, Hitch Your Wagon (1936,) preceded his success with Born Yesterday (1946,) which ran for 1,642 performances and inspired a hit film. He also directed The Diary of Anne Frank (1955) and Funny Girl (1964,) both Broadway classics.
Kanin collaborated extensively with his wife, actress-writer Ruth Gordon, co-writing Adam’s Rib (1949) and Pat and Mike (1952,) starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. His books include A Thousand Summers (1973) and Blow Up a Storm (1959,) while his memoir Hollywood (1974) reflects on his film industry experiences.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Garson Kanin
There are thousands of causes for stress, and one antidote to stress is self-expression. That’s what happens to me every day. My thoughts get off my chest, down my sleeves and onto my pad.
—Garson Kanin
Topics: Stress
Amateurs hope; professionals work.
—Garson Kanin
Topics: Hope, Work
The best part of one’s life is the working part, the creative part. Believe me, I love to succeed… However, the real spiritual and emotional excitement is in the doing.
—Garson Kanin
Topics: Work
Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.
—Garson Kanin
Topics: Age, Youth, Aging
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