An American playwright and director whose work often focuses on contemporary urban people trying to find equilibrium in a crazy world, Herb Gardner has enjoyed more success in the theater than in motion pictures. Only his first work, "A Thousand Clowns", about a TV writer who drops out to care for his nephew, has proven successful on both Broadway (in 1962) and film (1965). For his seamless adaptation of his original comedy, Gardner earned an Academy Award nomination. Like many who enjoy an early success, he struggled for much of the next two decades in an effort to recapture that early glory.
Worked as commercial artist; wrote comic strip "The Nebbishes" for eight years
1962
Wrote "A Thousand Clowns" for Broadway stage
1965
Penned screenplay adaptation of "A Thousand Clowns"; also served as associate producer; received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay
1968
Wrote and directed "The Goodbye People" on Broadway; show lasted one performance
1971
Wrote and co-produced feature film "Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying All Those Terrible Things About Me?", starring Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Harris
