Oscar Hammerstein II
Birth Name:
Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein
Birth Place:
New York City, New York, United States
Profession
Soundtrack, Writer, Music department, Producer, Actor
Fast Facts
- In 1950, he was given the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his work on the musical "South Pacific․"
- While studying law at Columbia University, he would write lyrics for the school's varsity shows
- Quote: "The sophisticate is a man who thinks he can swim better than he can and sometimes drowns himself․ He thinks he can drive better than he really can and sometimes causes great smash-ups․"
- Would write his lyrics while standing up at an antique bookkeeper's desk
- Is widely recognized for his collaboration with songwriter Richard Rodgers
- Served as a mentor to fellow composer Stephen Sondheim
- In 1945, he became the first person named Oscar to win an Oscar award
Awards
- 1939Oscar - Best Music, Original Song:Nominated
- 1942Oscar - Best Music, Original Song:Winner
- 1946Oscar - Best Music, Original Song:Winner
- 1947Oscar - Best Music, Original Song:Nominated
- 1952Oscar - Best Music, Original Song:Nominated
- 2023HMMA Award - Best Song - Onscreen Performance - TV Show/Limited Series:Nominated