Elaine May

“Directing is a way of looking at something and then communicating it.” Elaine May is a celebrated American comedian, actor, writer, and director known for her sharp wit and fearless approach to her work. Growing up in a theatrical family, she began performing at a young age. After a tumultuous childhood, including the loss of her father, May moved to Los Angeles and pursued acting, eventually hitchhiking to the University of Chicago, where she became involved with the improv troupe Compass Players alongside Mike Nichols. May and Nichols formed a successful comedy duo in New York, known for their improvised sketches, leading to a Broadway show and Grammy-winning albums. However, their differing styles caused them to part ways in 1961. May then ventured into playwriting and acting in films, achieving success with movies like A New Leaf and The Heartbreak Kid. Despite a setback in her directing career with the film Mikey and Nicky, she continued to work in Hollywood, contributing to scripts for major films like Tootsie and Primary Colors, for which she received an Oscar nomination. After a period of less visibility, May experienced a career resurgence in the 21st century, directing and acting in various projects, culminating in a Tony Award-winning performance in the Broadway revival of The Waverly Gallery.