- Born
- Died
- Oliver Smith was born on February 13, 1918 in Waupun, Wisconsin, USA. He was a production designer, known for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Guys and Dolls (1955) and On the Town (1949). He died on January 23, 1994 in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
- Won nine Tony Awards: as Best Scenic Designer, in 1957 for "My Fair Lady," off a nomination shared with "A Clearing in the Woods," "Candide," "Auntie Mame," "Eugenia," and "A Visit to a Small Planet;" and in 1958 for "West Side Story," off a nomination shared with "Brigadoon," "Carousel," "Jamaica," "Nude with Violin" and "Time Remembered;" as Best Scenic Designer (Musical), in 1960 for "The Sound of Music;" and in 1961 for "Camelot;" as Best Scenic Designer (Dramatic), also in 1961, for "Becket;" as Best Scenic Designer, in 1964 for "Hello, Dolly!;" and in 1965 for "Baker Street" and "Luv", off a nomination shared with "Luv" and "The Odd Couple;" and, also in 1965, a Special Tony Award. He additionally received five other Tony nominations: as Best Scenic Designer, in 1962 for "The Gay Life;" in 1967 for "I Do! I Do!;" in 1969 for "Dear World," and in 1974 for "Gigi;" and in 1970 as one of the co-producers of Best Play nominee "Indians."
- One of the most famous of Broadway set designers; he also designed the sets for several films.
- Distant cousin of Paul Bowles.
- Partner of Dick D'Arcy.
- Oliver Smith won more Tonys for Scenic Design than anyone else. Nominated 22 times, he won 8: 1957 for "My Fair Lady"; 1958 for "West Side Story"; 1960 for "The Sound of Music"; 1961 for "Becket", and for "Camelot"; 1964 for "Hello, Dolly!"; and 1965 for "Baker Street" and for "Luv and the Odd Couple". In addition, Oliver had a nomination as a producer for the 1970 production of "Indians"(Best Play).
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