Danny Simon (November 18, 1918 – July 26, 2005) was an American comedy writer for television, film, and theater, and a highly influential comedy writing instructor. He was the older brother of renowned playwright Neil Simon.
Born in New York City, Simon began his career in the golden age of radio before transitioning to the burgeoning medium of television. His extensive television writing credits include seminal variety and sketch comedy programs such as The Garry Moore Show, The Jackie Gleason Show, The Carol Burnett Show, and Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. He was known for his keen understanding of comedic timing and structure, crafting jokes and situations that became hallmarks of classic American television humor.
Danny Simon played a crucial role in the early career of his younger brother, Neil Simon. He encouraged Neil to pursue comedy writing and collaborated with him on various projects, including television scripts and the 1960 Broadway play Room for One More. Neil Simon frequently acknowledged Danny as a vital mentor and a significant influence on his own writing, often crediting him with teaching the fundamentals of comedic craft and character development. The character of "Ben Silverman" in Neil Simon's autobiographical play Laughter on the 23rd Floor is widely considered to be based on Danny Simon.
Beyond his writing, Danny Simon was a revered and passionate educator. He taught comedy writing for many years at institutions such as New York University (NYU) and The New School. Through his workshops and classes, he mentored countless aspiring writers, many of whom went on to achieve successful careers in entertainment. His teaching philosophy emphasized the importance of character-driven humor, disciplined writing, and a deep understanding of comedic mechanics.
In addition to his collaborative stage work and television writing, Simon also wrote other plays, including The Tender Trap. He continued to write and teach throughout his life, leaving a lasting impact on generations of comedy writers.
Danny Simon died in 2005 at the age of 86. He is remembered not only for his direct contributions to American comedy as a writer but also for his profound legacy as an educator and mentor, particularly for his seminal influence on his celebrated brother, Neil Simon.