Gene Saks was an American director and actor, best known for his work in theater and film. He was born on November 8, 1921, in New York City and had a significant impact on Broadway, directing numerous successful plays, including adaptations of works by Neil Simon. Saks received several awards for his contributions to theater, including Tony Awards. In addition to his theater work, Saks directed films such as "The Odd Couple" and "Plaza Suite," both of which were based on Neil Simon's plays. His career spanned several decades, and he was recognized for his ability to bring humor and depth to his productions. Gene Saks passed away on April 16, 2015.