Trivia

Directed both the Broadway show and film version of "Mame" that featured then-wife Bea Arthur.

Known for his close, over two-decade association with writer Neil Simon, which included directing Simon's film versions of Barefoot in the Park (1967), The Odd Couple (1968), Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1972), and Brighton Beach Memoirs (1986).

Father of Daniel Saks and Matthew Saks, whom he adopted with first wife Bea Arthur. He later had a daughter, Annabelle (born 1981), by second wife, Keren Victoria Ettlinger, who survived Saks.

Directed 2 actresses to Oscar nominations: Mildred Natwick (Best Supporting Actress, Barefoot in the Park (1967)), and Goldie Hawn (Best Supporting Actress, Cactus Flower (1969)). Hawn won an Oscar for her performance.

Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, taking part in the invasion of Normandy.

Saks attended Cornell University. He later trained at the Dramatic Workshop of the New School for Social Research and his early career was spent as an Actors Studio-trained actor. He made his Broadway debut in "South Pacific". Later helped found a theater cooperative at the Cherry Lane Theater off-Broadway.

Won Broadway's Tony Award three Times: as Best Director (Musical), in 1977 for "I Love My Wife," and as Best Director (Play), in 1983 for "Brighton Beach Memoirs" and in 1985 for "Biloxi Blues." He was also Tony-nominated on four other occasions: as Best Director (Musical), in 1965 for "Half a Sixpence" and in 1966 for "Mame," as Best Director (Dramatic), in 1975 for "Same Time, Next Year;" and as Best Director (Play) in 1991 for "Lost in Yonkers."

His father, Morris Saks, ran a wholesale women's shoe business in Hackensack, New Jersey.

He was awarded the 1983 Antoinette Perry (Tony) Award for Best Director of a Play for "Brighton Beach Memoirs," on Broadway in New York City.

He was awarded the 1992 Drama-Logue Award for Direction for "Lost in Yonkers" in presented by the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson at the James A. Doolittle (University of California) Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

His remains were cremated. His ashes were given to his family.