Alan Jay Lerner, an American librettist and lyricist, is best known for his enduring works of musical theatre created in collaboration with Frederick Loewe. From his early days creating lyrics for Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding musical show, Lerner went on to achieve great success with musicals such as Brigadoon and My Fair Lady. With over 500 radio scripts to his credit and contributions to films like An American in Paris, Lerner’s impact on the world of entertainment is undeniable. His autobiography, The Street Where I Live, provides a vivid account of his collaborations with Loewe, while his book The Musical Theatre: A Celebration offers a fascinating history of the genre, complete with personal anecdotes and Lerner’s trademark wit.
Quick Facts
- Died At Age: 67
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Liz Robertson (m. 1981–1986), Nancy Olson (m. 1950–1957), Sandra Payne (m. 1974–1976), father: Joseph Jay Lerner, mother: Edith Adelson Lerner, siblings: Samuel Alexander Lerner, children: Jennifer Lerner, Liza Lerner
- Quotes By Alan Jay Lerner
- Lyricists & Songwriters
- Died on: June 14, 1986
- Place of death: New York, New York, United States
- Diseases & Disabilities: Lung Cancer
- Grouping of People: Jewish Musician
- Cause of Death: Lung Cancer
- U.S. State: New Yorkers
- More Facts
- Education: Harvard University
- Awards: 1985 – Kennedy Center Honors, 1951 – Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, 1958 – Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, 1958 – Academy Award for Best Original Song, 1968 – Golden Globe for Best Original Song, 1975 – Golden Globe for Best Original Score, 1957 – Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, 1957 – Tony Award for Best Original Score, 1947 – New York Drama Critics for Best Musical, 1957 – New York Drama Critics for Best Musical, 1985 – Johnny Mercer Award for Lyric Writing
Childhood & Early Life
Frederick Loewe was born in New York City to parents Edith Adelson Lerner and Joseph Lerner, who were successful retailers. His brother Samuel Alexander Lerner owned Lerner Stores, a well-known retailer of women’s fashions and accessories. Frederick attended Bedales School in England and later enrolled at The Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut, where he became classmates with John F. Kennedy. During his time at Choate, he created The Choate Marching Song. He also attended the Julliard School of Music in New York City during the summers of 1936 and 1937. In 1938 and 1939, he wrote lyrics for the Hasty Pudding musical show at Harvard. He graduated from Harvard in 1940.
Career
From 1940 to 1942, Frederick wrote over 500 radio scripts. In 1942, he met Austrian composer Frederick Loewe, and together they collaborated on the musical Life of the Party. They also worked on other successful Broadway productions such as Brigadoon and My Fair Lady. In 1951, Frederick wrote the script for the film An American in Paris, which won an Oscar award. In 1956, he and Loewe released My Fair Lady, which became a huge success both on Broadway and in its film adaptation. Their next project was the film Gigi, which won nine Oscars. They later worked on the musical Camelot in 1960. After creating several more musicals, Frederick collaborated with Burton Lane on the musical On a Clear Day You Can See Forever in 1965.
Personal Life & Legacy
Frederick Loewe was married eight times throughout his life. He passed away at the age of 67 due to lung cancer in Manhattan. During his time at Harvard, he lost the sight in his left eye due to a boxing accident, which prevented him from serving in World War II. He was known for his sense of humor and his involvement in shows often caused him to neglect his family and wives. He also struggled with addiction and underwent Methedrine treatments for many years. Divorces and financial mismanagement contributed to his financial troubles.