George Abbott, a legendary figure in the world of Broadway, was born in 1887 in Forestville, New York. His father, the mayor of Salamanca, New York, for two terms, instilled in him a strong sense of community and civic responsibility. In 1898, the family relocated to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where Abbott attended Kearney Military Academy. This period of his life was marked by a strong sense of discipline and structure, which would later influence his work as a writer, producer, and director.
Upon returning to New York, Abbott attended Hamburg High School, graduating in 1907, and later enrolled at the University of Rochester, where he earned his BA degree in 1911. During his time at the university, he wrote the play "Perfectly Harmless" for the University Dramatic Club, showcasing his early talent for playwriting.
Abbott's passion for playwriting led him to attend Harvard University from 1911 to 1912, where he studied under the renowned George Pierce Baker and wrote "The Head of the Family" for the Harvard Dramatic Club. This period was marked by a significant development in his writing skills, which would later serve him well in his career.
In 1912, Abbott won a $100 play contest sponsored by the Bijou Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts, for his play "The Man in the Manhole." He went on to work at the Bijou for a year as an assistant stage manager, gaining valuable experience in the theatre industry.
Abbott's Broadway debut as an actor came in 1913 in "The Misleading Lady," followed by a string of successful productions, including "The Yeoman of the Guard" (1915),"The Queen's Enemies" (1916),"Daddies" (1918),and "The Broken Wing" (1920). He continued to act and write throughout the 1920s, with notable productions such as "Dulcy" (on tour) (1921),"Zander the Great" (1923),and "White Desert" (1923).
As the 1930s began, Abbott shifted his focus from acting to writing and directing. He made his Broadway debut as a director with "The Fall Guy" in 1925, followed by successful productions such as "Three Men on a Horse" (1935),"Jumbo" (1935),and "On Your Toes" (1936). He continued to write and direct throughout the 1940s and 1950s, with notable productions such as "The Boys from Syracuse" (1938),"Too Many Girls" (1939),"Pal Joey" (1940),and "On the Town" (1944).
Abbott's success extended beyond Broadway, as he won five Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for his work on "Fiorello!" (1959). He was also nominated for an Oscar for writing "All Quiet on the Western Front" (1930). His daughter, Judith Abbott, is a stage actress and director who was married to Tom Ewell from 1946 to 1949.
