What happened to Oscar Levant?

Levant, a lifelong heavy smoker and longtime pharmaceutical drug user, died at home in Beverly Hills, California, of a heart attack in 1972 at age 65.

Was Oscar Levant a genius?

Great Talent. What can one say about Oscar Levant? He was a genius and a pain in the behind. But he managed to have a wife and daughters and a wonderful career even if he was clinically superstitious about all of it.

What is Oscar Levant known for?

Oscar Levant (1906-1972) was an American pianist, composer, author, comedian, and actor. He was famous for his mordant character and witticisms, on the radio and in movies and television, as for his music. Levant traveled to Hollywood, where his career took a turn for the better.

Will good night Oscar go to Broadway?

Principal casting has been revealed for the previously announced Broadway premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright’s Good Night, Oscar, starring Emmy winner and Tony nominee Sean Hayes. Directed by Lisa Peterson, the show will begin performances at the Belasco Theatre on April 7, 2023.

Was Oscar Levant a hypochondriac?

Oscar Levant was a brilliant, eccentric pianist and composer who was equally famed for his acid wit and hypochondria. “There is a thin line between genius and insanity. I have erased that line,” he once said. Levant was considered the foremost interpreter of the music of George Gershwin, who was also a friend.

Who played the piano in the movie Rhapsody in Blue?

Oscar Levant had three functions in this film: he provided George Gershwin’s piano playing as Robert Alda’s double, he portrayed himself on screen and he was heard playing piano on the soundtrack as himself, Oscar Levant, in the commemorative performance of “Rhapsody in Blue” which ends the film.