Says he wrote The Rainmaker (1956) as a tribute to his compassionate older sister,
Mae, who "saved my life" by curing him of stuttering when he was a
child, by acting as a tirelessly attentive listener.
His play, "The Rainmaker," was awarded the 1984 Joseph Jefferson Award Citation for Play Production at the Pegasus Players in Chicago, Illinois.
After a brief career as a $10 a bout prizefighter, he enrolled in the University of Philadelphia, eventually graduating in English and philosophy. In 1940, he taught drama at Bryn Mawr Colllege, having published his first play.
He died at his home in Manhattan, NYC.
Was nominated for Broadway's 1968 Tony Award, his book part of a Best
Musical nomination for "The Happy Time."
His play, "The Rainmaker" at the American Blues Theater in Chicago, Illinois was nominated for 2016 Joseph Jefferson (Equity) Award for Midsize Play Production.