Ira Gershwin
Biography
Ira Gershwin, born Israel Gershovitz on December 6, 1896, in Brooklyn, New York, was an American lyricist. He is recognized for his contributions to writing, music, and musical theater. Throughout his career, he collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create numerous songs. Following his brother's death in 1937, he continued to work on films and plays with other collaborators including Moss Hart, Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern, Harry Warren, and Harold Arlen. His extensive body of work includes credits on projects such as Funny Face, An American in Paris, A Star Is Born, Shall We Dance, Cover Girl, The Barkleys of Broadway, A Damsel in Distress, and The North Star. He died on August 17, 1983, at the age of 86.
Career overview
Ira Gershwin was an American lyricist born Israel Gershovitz on December 6, 1896, in Brooklyn, New York. He is recognized for his significant contributions to the music and film industries, having 37 known credits in his career. He is best known for his collaborative work with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, with whom he created many memorable English-language songs of the 20th century. Throughout his career, he worked on more than 20 Broadway musicals and motion pictures. Following his brother's death in 1937, he continued his professional career by collaborating on films and plays with other notable figures, including Moss Hart, Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern, Harry Warren, and Harold Arlen.
His extensive body of work spans various roles, including writing, acting, and music composition. Among the motion pictures associated with his career are Funny Face, An American in Paris, A Star Is Born, Shall We Dance, Cover Girl, The Barkleys of Broadway, A Damsel in Distress, and The North Star. Ira Gershwin passed away on August 17, 1983, at the age of 86. His legacy remains defined by his work as a lyricist and his influence on American musical theater and cinema.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
41 titles- Porgy and Bess - Metropolitan Opera (2020) Lyricist
- Porgy and Bess - Metropolitan Opera (2020) Writer
- George Gershwin Alone (2020) Lyricist
- An American in Paris: The Musical (2018) Musical
- Gershwin: The American Classic (2018)
- The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (2009) Lyricist
- Porgy and Bess (2002) Lyricist
- Crazy for You (1999) Musical
- Porgy and Bess (1993) Lyricist
- Porgy and Bess (1993) Book
- I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Kurt Weill in America (1992)
- American Playhouse (1982) Lyricist
- The Jazz Age (1968) Lyricist
- Kiss Me, Stupid (1964) Songs
- The Bell Telephone Hour (1959) as Self
- Porgy and Bess (1959) Lyricist
- Porgy and Bess (1959) Book
- Funny Face (1957) Lyricist
- Paris in the Springtime (1956) Lyricist
- A Star Is Born (1954) Lyricist
- The Country Girl (1954) Songs
- Lady in the Dark (1954) Lyricist
- Give a Girl a Break (1953) Lyricist
- An American in Paris (1951) Lyricist
- The Barkleys of Broadway (1949) Lyricist
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self
- The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (1947) Lyricist
- Ziegfeld Follies (1945) Songs
- Rhapsody in Blue (1945) Lyricist
- Cover Girl (1944) Lyricist
- Lady in the Dark (1944) Lyricist
- The North Star (1943) Lyricist
- Girl Crazy (1943) Lyricist
- Lady Be Good (1941) Music
- Lady Be Good (1941) Lyricist
- Strike Up the Band (1940) Lyricist
- The Goldwyn Follies (1938) Lyricist
- A Damsel in Distress (1937) Lyricist
- Shall We Dance (1937) Lyricist
- Girl Crazy (1932) Lyricist
- Delicious (1931) Lyricist
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Ira Gershwin best known for?
Ira Gershwin is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including American Playhouse (1982), Kiss Me, Stupid (1964), The Bell Telephone Hour (1959), Porgy and Bess (1959).
When and where was Ira Gershwin born?
Ira Gershwin was born on December 6, 1896 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. They passed away on August 17, 1983.
How many credits does Ira Gershwin have?
Ira Gershwin has accumulated over 41 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1931 to 2020.
What is Ira Gershwin's background in cinema and television?
Ira Gershwin, born Israel Gershovitz on December 6, 1896, in Brooklyn, New York, was an American lyricist. He is recognized for his contributions to writing, music, and musical theater. Throughout his career, he collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create numerous songs. Following his bro...
Ira Gershwin by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Bell Telephone Hour (1959) as Self — aged about 62
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self — aged about 51
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