Bernard Pomerance was an American playwright and writer who is best known for his award-winning play, The Elephant Man, and his contributions to theater in the United States and abroad.
Personal and Family Life
Bernard Pomerance was born on September 23, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York City. He graduated from the University of Chicago in 1962. Throughout his life, he was married twice: first to Sally Belfrage from 1965 until their divorce in 1983, with whom he had two children, and later to Evelyne Franceschi from 2008 until her passing in 2015. He also had connections to notable figures in the literary world as he was the son-in-law of writer Cedric Belfrage.
Career
Pomerance was known for his groundbreaking play, The Elephant Man, which earned him a Tony Award for Best Play in 1979. He also received the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Distinguished Production in 1980 for the same work. Pomerance’s influence in theater extended beyond his writing, as he contributed to various productions over the years.
Death and Legacy
Bernard Pomerance passed away on August 26, 2017, in Galisteo, New Mexico, due to cancer. His work continues to be celebrated in the theater community, particularly for The Elephant Man, which remains a classic and has inspired numerous adaptations and productions around the world.
Filmography
| Type | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | A Perfect Couple | 1984 |
| Writer | The Elephant Man | 1982 |