Biography

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).