Gender
Male
Born
Dec 02, 1914
Bronx, New York, USA
Died
Oct 23, 2002
New York, New York, USA
Performer Director Writer Lyricist Source Material Other
Relations
Husband of
Allyn Ann McLerie (1945 - 1953) divorced
Husband of
Phyllis Newman (1960 - 2002) his death
Father of
Amanda Green
Comments
Biography: Adolph Green was born on December 2, 1914 in the Bronx, New York to Helen and Daniel Green. He worked as a runner on Wall Street after high school while pursuing acting. His longtime collaborator was Betty Comden. Their professional partnership lasted more than 60 years. He married Elizabeth Reitell and then married Allyn Ann McLerie. His third wife was actress Phyllis Newman, with whom he had his children Adam and Amanda.

Film/TV Credits: Film credits include: "Singin' in the Rain," "On the Town," "What a Way to Go!," "Auntie Mame," "The Band Wagon," "My Favorite Year," "It's Always Fair Weather," and "Bells Are Ringing." Television credits include: "Frasier," "What's My Line?," "Biography," "Great Performances," "American Masters," and "The Match Game."

Other Awards: Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980. Inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1981.

Trivia:
Comden and Green formed a troupe called the Revuers with Judy Holliday and Leonard Benstein, which performed at the Village Vanguard club in Greenwich Village.
The marquees of Broadway theaters were dimmed in his honor on October 24, 2002.
  • CREDITS
    Prince of Broadway (Aug 24, 2017 - Oct 29, 2017)
    • Book for "On the Twentieth Century" by Adolph Green
    • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalRevueOriginal
    On the Twentieth Century (Mar 15, 2015 - Jul 19, 2015)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    On the Town (Oct 16, 2014 - Sep 06, 2015)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Mar 28, 2004 - Apr 18, 2004)
    • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
    SpecialConcertOriginal
    Wonderful Town (Nov 23, 2003 - Jan 30, 2005)
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Elaine Stritch At Liberty (Feb 21, 2002 - May 26, 2002)
    • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
    SpecialSolo Play with musicOriginal
    Bells Are Ringing (Apr 12, 2001 - Jun 10, 2001)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Peter Pan (Apr 07, 1999 - Aug 29, 1999)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Peter Pan (Nov 23, 1998 - Jan 03, 1999)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    On the Town (Nov 19, 1998 - Jan 17, 1999)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Peter Pan (Nov 26, 1991 - Jan 05, 1992)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    The Will Rogers Follies (May 01, 1991 - Sep 05, 1993)
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalOriginal
    Peter Pan (Dec 13, 1990 - Jan 20, 1991)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Feb 26, 1989 - Sep 01, 1990)
    • Additional text by Adolph Green
    • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalRevue DanceOriginal
    Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Apr 15, 1987 - Apr 26, 1987)
    • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
    SpecialConcertOriginal
    Singin' in the Rain (Jul 02, 1985 - May 18, 1986)
    • Book adapted by Adolph Green
    • Screenplay by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics for "Moses Supposes" by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    A Doll's Life (Sep 23, 1982 - Sep 26, 1982)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalOriginal
    Peter Pan (Sep 06, 1979 - Jan 04, 1981)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    The Madwoman of Central Park West (Jun 13, 1979 - Aug 25, 1979)
    • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    On the Twentieth Century (Feb 19, 1978 - Mar 18, 1979)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    A Party with Betty Comden & Adolph Green (Feb 10, 1977 - Apr 30, 1977)
    • Starring: Adolph Green [Performer]
    MusicalRevue ComedyRevival
    Lorelei (Jan 27, 1974 - Nov 03, 1974)
    • New lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    On the Town (Oct 31, 1971 - Jan 01, 1972)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Applause (Mar 30, 1970 - May 27, 1972)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    MusicalOriginal
    Hallelujah, Baby! (Apr 26, 1967 - Jan 13, 1968)
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalOriginal
    Fade Out - Fade In (May 26, 1964 - Apr 17, 1965)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Dylan (Jan 18, 1964 - Sep 12, 1964)
    • The song "New York, New York" from ON THE TOWN used by kind permission of Adolph Green
    PlayOriginal
    Subways Are for Sleeping (Dec 27, 1961 - Jun 23, 1962)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    An Evening With Yves Montand (Oct 24, 1961 - Dec 16, 1961)
    • "Just in Time" lyrics by Adolph Green
    SpecialSoloOriginal
    Do Re Mi (Dec 26, 1960 - Jan 13, 1962)
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    A Party with Betty Comden & Adolph Green (Dec 23, 1958 - May 23, 1959)
    • Starring: Adolph Green [Performer]
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalRevue ComedyOriginal
    Say, Darling (Apr 03, 1958 - Jan 17, 1959)
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    PlayComedy Play with musicOriginal
    Bells Are Ringing (Nov 29, 1956 - Mar 07, 1959)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Peter Pan (Oct 20, 1954 - Feb 26, 1955)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Wonderful Town (Feb 25, 1953 - Jul 03, 1954)
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Two on the Aisle (Jul 19, 1951 - Mar 15, 1952)
    • Sketches by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalRevueOriginal
    Billion Dollar Baby (Dec 21, 1945 - Jun 29, 1946)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    On the Town (Dec 28, 1944 - Feb 02, 1946)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Also Starring: Adolph Green [Ozzie]
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Peter Pan (Aug 24, 2011 - Apr 28, 2013)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Peter Pan (Sep 24, 2004 - May 28, 2006)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Peter Pan (Nov 07, 1997 - Feb 20, 2000)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Applause (Oct 22, 1996 - Nov 24, 1996)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    MusicalRevival
    The Will Rogers Follies (Sep 01, 1992 - Nov 27, 1994)
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalOriginal
    Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Oct 02, 1990 - Sep 08, 1991)
    • Additional text by Adolph Green
    • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalRevue DanceOriginal
    Peter Pan (Dec 15, 1989 - Nov 24, 1991)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    On the Twentieth Century (Oct 10, 1986 - Apr 05, 1987)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Singin' in the Rain (Jun 10, 1986 - Jun 07, 1987)
    • Book adapted by Adolph Green
    • Screenplay by: Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Peter Pan (Jun 15, 1982 - Jul 17, 1983)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Peter Pan (Apr 15, 1981 - Jan 31, 1982)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Peter Pan (Jun 26, 1979 - Aug 05, 1979)
    • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyRevival
    On the Twentieth Century (Jun 09, 1979 - Nov 25, 1979)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Lorelei (Feb 24, 1973 - Jan 12, 1974)
    • Directed by Adolph Green
    • New Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Applause (Sep 22, 1972 - May 03, 1973)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    MusicalOriginal
    Applause (Nov 29, 1971 - Jul 22, 1972)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    MusicalOriginal
    Do Re Mi (Jan 16, 1962 - Mar 17, 1962)
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Bells Are Ringing (Mar 10, 1959 - Jul 04, 1959)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Wonderful Town (Jul 07, 1954 - Feb 05, 1955)
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    On the Twentieth Century (Sep 26, 2005 - Sep 26, 2005)
    • Book by Adolph Green
    • Lyrics by Adolph Green
    SpecialBenefit Comedy ConcertRevival
    Happy Birthday, Mr. Abbott! (Jun 22, 1987 - Jun 22, 1987)
    • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
    SpecialBenefitOriginal
    Jule's Friends at the Palace (May 19, 1974 - May 19, 1974)
    • Performer: Adolph Green [Introduction]
    • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
    SpecialBenefitOriginal
  • AWARDS

    Tony Award®

    Best Original Score

    1991 | Winner  | The Will Rogers Follies
    Lyrics by Adolph Green
     

    Best Book of a Musical

    1986 | Nominee  | Singin' in the Rain
    Book adapted by Adolph Green
     

    Best Book of a Musical

    1983 | Nominee  | A Doll's Life
    Book by Adolph Green
     

    Best Original Score

    1983 | Nominee  | A Doll's Life
    Lyrics by Adolph Green

    Best Book of a Musical

    1978 | Winner  | On the Twentieth Century
    Book by Adolph Green

    Best Original Score

    1978 | Winner  | On the Twentieth Century
    Lyrics by Adolph Green

    Best Musical

    1970 | Winner  | Applause
    Book by Adolph Green

    Best Composer and Lyricist

    1968 | Winner  | Hallelujah, Baby!
    Lyrics by Adolph Green

    Best Musical

    1968 | Winner  | Hallelujah, Baby!
    Lyrics by Adolph Green
     

    Best Musical

    1961 | Nominee  | Do Re Mi
    Lyrics by Adolph Green
     

    Best Musical

    1957 | Nominee  | Bells Are Ringing
    Lyrics by Adolph Green
    Book by Adolph Green

    Best Musical

    1953 | Winner  | Wonderful Town
    Lyrics by Adolph Green
Prince of Broadway (Aug 24, 2017 - Oct 29, 2017)
  • Book for "On the Twentieth Century" by Adolph Green
  • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalRevueOriginal
On the Twentieth Century (Mar 15, 2015 - Jul 19, 2015)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
On the Town (Oct 16, 2014 - Sep 06, 2015)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Mar 28, 2004 - Apr 18, 2004)
  • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
SpecialConcertOriginal
Wonderful Town (Nov 23, 2003 - Jan 30, 2005)
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Elaine Stritch At Liberty (Feb 21, 2002 - May 26, 2002)
  • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
SpecialSolo Play with musicOriginal
Bells Are Ringing (Apr 12, 2001 - Jun 10, 2001)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Peter Pan (Apr 07, 1999 - Aug 29, 1999)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Peter Pan (Nov 23, 1998 - Jan 03, 1999)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
On the Town (Nov 19, 1998 - Jan 17, 1999)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Peter Pan (Nov 26, 1991 - Jan 05, 1992)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
The Will Rogers Follies (May 01, 1991 - Sep 05, 1993)
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalOriginal
Peter Pan (Dec 13, 1990 - Jan 20, 1991)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Feb 26, 1989 - Sep 01, 1990)
  • Additional text by Adolph Green
  • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalRevue DanceOriginal
Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Apr 15, 1987 - Apr 26, 1987)
  • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
SpecialConcertOriginal
Singin' in the Rain (Jul 02, 1985 - May 18, 1986)
  • Book adapted by Adolph Green
  • Screenplay by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics for "Moses Supposes" by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
A Doll's Life (Sep 23, 1982 - Sep 26, 1982)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalOriginal
Peter Pan (Sep 06, 1979 - Jan 04, 1981)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
The Madwoman of Central Park West (Jun 13, 1979 - Aug 25, 1979)
  • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
On the Twentieth Century (Feb 19, 1978 - Mar 18, 1979)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
A Party with Betty Comden & Adolph Green (Feb 10, 1977 - Apr 30, 1977)
  • Starring: Adolph Green [Performer]
MusicalRevue ComedyRevival
Lorelei (Jan 27, 1974 - Nov 03, 1974)
  • New lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
On the Town (Oct 31, 1971 - Jan 01, 1972)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Applause (Mar 30, 1970 - May 27, 1972)
  • Book by Adolph Green
MusicalOriginal
Hallelujah, Baby! (Apr 26, 1967 - Jan 13, 1968)
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalOriginal
Fade Out - Fade In (May 26, 1964 - Apr 17, 1965)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
Dylan (Jan 18, 1964 - Sep 12, 1964)
  • The song "New York, New York" from ON THE TOWN used by kind permission of Adolph Green
PlayOriginal
Subways Are for Sleeping (Dec 27, 1961 - Jun 23, 1962)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
An Evening With Yves Montand (Oct 24, 1961 - Dec 16, 1961)
  • "Just in Time" lyrics by Adolph Green
SpecialSoloOriginal
Do Re Mi (Dec 26, 1960 - Jan 13, 1962)
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
A Party with Betty Comden & Adolph Green (Dec 23, 1958 - May 23, 1959)
  • Starring: Adolph Green [Performer]
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalRevue ComedyOriginal
Say, Darling (Apr 03, 1958 - Jan 17, 1959)
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
PlayComedy Play with musicOriginal
Bells Are Ringing (Nov 29, 1956 - Mar 07, 1959)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
Peter Pan (Oct 20, 1954 - Feb 26, 1955)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
Wonderful Town (Feb 25, 1953 - Jul 03, 1954)
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
Two on the Aisle (Jul 19, 1951 - Mar 15, 1952)
  • Sketches by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalRevueOriginal
Billion Dollar Baby (Dec 21, 1945 - Jun 29, 1946)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
On the Town (Dec 28, 1944 - Feb 02, 1946)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Also Starring: Adolph Green [Ozzie]
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
Peter Pan (Aug 24, 2011 - Apr 28, 2013)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Peter Pan (Sep 24, 2004 - May 28, 2006)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Peter Pan (Nov 07, 1997 - Feb 20, 2000)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Applause (Oct 22, 1996 - Nov 24, 1996)
  • Book by Adolph Green
MusicalRevival
The Will Rogers Follies (Sep 01, 1992 - Nov 27, 1994)
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalOriginal
Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Oct 02, 1990 - Sep 08, 1991)
  • Additional text by Adolph Green
  • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalRevue DanceOriginal
Peter Pan (Dec 15, 1989 - Nov 24, 1991)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
On the Twentieth Century (Oct 10, 1986 - Apr 05, 1987)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Singin' in the Rain (Jun 10, 1986 - Jun 07, 1987)
  • Book adapted by Adolph Green
  • Screenplay by: Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
Peter Pan (Jun 15, 1982 - Jul 17, 1983)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Peter Pan (Apr 15, 1981 - Jan 31, 1982)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
Peter Pan (Jun 26, 1979 - Aug 05, 1979)
  • Additional lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyRevival
On the Twentieth Century (Jun 09, 1979 - Nov 25, 1979)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
Lorelei (Feb 24, 1973 - Jan 12, 1974)
  • Directed by Adolph Green
  • New Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
Applause (Sep 22, 1972 - May 03, 1973)
  • Book by Adolph Green
MusicalOriginal
Applause (Nov 29, 1971 - Jul 22, 1972)
  • Book by Adolph Green
MusicalOriginal
Do Re Mi (Jan 16, 1962 - Mar 17, 1962)
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
Bells Are Ringing (Mar 10, 1959 - Jul 04, 1959)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
Wonderful Town (Jul 07, 1954 - Feb 05, 1955)
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
MusicalComedyOriginal
On the Twentieth Century (Sep 26, 2005 - Sep 26, 2005)
  • Book by Adolph Green
  • Lyrics by Adolph Green
SpecialBenefit Comedy ConcertRevival
Happy Birthday, Mr. Abbott! (Jun 22, 1987 - Jun 22, 1987)
  • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
SpecialBenefitOriginal
Jule's Friends at the Palace (May 19, 1974 - May 19, 1974)
  • Performer: Adolph Green [Introduction]
  • Featuring songs with lyrics by Adolph Green
SpecialBenefitOriginal

Tony Award®

Best Original Score

1991 | Winner  | The Will Rogers Follies
Lyrics by Adolph Green
 

Best Book of a Musical

1986 | Nominee  | Singin' in the Rain
Book adapted by Adolph Green
 

Best Book of a Musical

1983 | Nominee  | A Doll's Life
Book by Adolph Green
 

Best Original Score

1983 | Nominee  | A Doll's Life
Lyrics by Adolph Green

Best Book of a Musical

1978 | Winner  | On the Twentieth Century
Book by Adolph Green

Best Original Score

1978 | Winner  | On the Twentieth Century
Lyrics by Adolph Green

Best Musical

1970 | Winner  | Applause
Book by Adolph Green

Best Composer and Lyricist

1968 | Winner  | Hallelujah, Baby!
Lyrics by Adolph Green

Best Musical

1968 | Winner  | Hallelujah, Baby!
Lyrics by Adolph Green
 

Best Musical

1961 | Nominee  | Do Re Mi
Lyrics by Adolph Green
 

Best Musical

1957 | Nominee  | Bells Are Ringing
Lyrics by Adolph Green
Book by Adolph Green

Best Musical

1953 | Winner  | Wonderful Town
Lyrics by Adolph Green

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