Oscar Hammerstein II

Date of Birth:
12th July 1895

Show History:

• The Sound of Music

Current Role

The late Oscar Hammerstein's work is still being performed in theatres and stages around the world.

Early Life

Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein was born in New York City on the 12th July 1895. His father William was a non practising Jew and his mother was Scottish Catholic. Oscar's grandfather is the famous operatic director and showman of the same name. Oscar was brought up to adhere to strict Christian values and his choice to pursue a life dedicated to the arts went against his austere father’s wishes. Oscar attended Columbia University where he studied acting and law. He appeared in his first play shortly after his father’s death in June 1914. Considered to be Hammerstein's big break, the play had the rather apt title On Your Way. After William’s death, Oscar abandoned his study of law in order to concentrate on his acting. Whilst at university, Oscar both wrote and appeared in several other shows that were beginning to attract attention. After leaving university, Oscar worked as an apprentice to lyricist Otto Harbach. The two men collaborated for the next 20 years. His first musical was entitled Always You. Despite working with the famous lyricist, Oscar Hammerstein is perhaps best known for his work with composer Richard Rodgers.

Career Highlights

Oscar Hammerstein's career includes writing the following classic musicals:Oklahoma!

• The Sound of Music
• The King and I
• Carousel
• The Flower Drum Song
• South Pacific

Interesting Facts

Oscar never used his middle names, instead he simply called himself Oscar Hammerstine out of respect for his grandfather.

Oscar was known for using the phrase “fools give reasons, wise men never try.”

Awards

Rodgers and Hammerstein received the Pulitzer Prize for both Oklahoma! and South Pacific.