Mel Gussow was an American journalist, author, and theater critic, born on December 19, 1933, and passed away on April 29, 2005. He is best known for his extensive work as a theater critic for The New York Times, where he worked for over four decades. Gussow was respected for his insightful and knowledgeable reviews, which covered a wide range of theater productions, from Broadway hits to Off-Broadway shows.
Beyond his career as a critic, Gussow was also a prolific writer. He authored several books, many of which focused on prominent figures in the arts. Some of his notable publications include biographies on influential theatrical figures such as Arthur Miller, Harold Pinter, and Edward Albee. Gussow's writings demonstrated his deep understanding of the theater and his ability to provide nuanced and engaging analysis.
Throughout his career, Gussow's contributions to the field of theater criticism were highly regarded. He was recognized with numerous awards, including the George Jean Nathan Award for dramatic criticism and the Barnard Hewitt Award for Theatre Journalism. Gussow's writing style was known for its clarity, intelligence, and integrity.
Unfortunately, the world lost a formidable theater critic and talented writer when Mel Gussow passed away. However, his eloquent reviews and insightful writings continue to provide a valuable resource for theater enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in the performing arts.
