Broadway legend Neil Simon dies aged 91

His hit plays included Barefoot in the Park, Sweet Charity, Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues. 

His early, depression-era childhood was the inspiration for Brighton Beach Memoirs. His time billeted in the Deep South with the US Army became Biloxi Blues; his struggle to escape the treadmill of television provided the motive and material for his first play Come Blow Your Horn. 

Mr Simon went on to write over 30 plays and musical scripts. 

The idea for the The Odd Couple came about when a theatre agent called Roy Gerber and Simon's older brother Danny shacked up together after they each split up with their wives. 

He died surrounded by his wife, Elaine Joyce Simon, and two daughters, Ellen and Nancy.

Over his career Mr Simon earned 17 Tony nominations with three wins. He also won a Tony for special achievement as well as a Pulitzer and the Mark Twain prize for humour.