Photo: The Morning Call newspaper / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Elaine May is a film director, screenwriter and stage actor. Elaine May was born on April 21, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. That works out to 94 years old in 2026. Schooling on record includes Hollywood High School and University of Chicago. Listed accolades include Writers Guild of America Award, National Medal of Arts, Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director (1988) and 4 more.
My Take
Elaine May is, plainly, a force. From her improv duets with Mike Nichols in the 1950s to writing and directing her own films, she carved space behind the camera in an era that rarely allowed women there. The fact that her trophy shelf holds both a Razzie and a BAFTA, a Grammy, a Tony, and an honorary Oscar tells you how fearlessly wide her range runs. What thrills me most is her longevity: still respected and working past ninety, never softening to please. She's exactly the kind of uncompromising author who keeps show business interesting, and I admire her without reservation.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Elaine May
- Name (Japanese)
- エレイン・メイ
- Reading
- えれいん・めい
- Born
- April 21, 1932 (age 94)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Taurus / Monkey
- Origin
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Occupation
- actor / film director / screenwriter / stage actor / writer
2. Background
- High school
- Hollywood High School
- University
- University of Chicago
Awards & achievements
- Writers Guild of America Award
- National Medal of Arts
- 1988 Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director
- 1999 BAFTA Award for Best Adapted Screenplay
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play
- 2022 Academy Honorary Award
- 1961 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album
3. Links
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaine%20May
- Wikipedia (Japanese)https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%A8%E3%83%AC%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%83%BB%E3%83%A1%E3%82%A4
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q454156
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Elaine May born?
Born April 21, 1932 (age 94).
Where is Elaine May from?
Elaine May is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
What does Elaine May do?
Elaine May works as actor, film director, screenwriter, stage actor, writer.
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