Arthur Freed

Arthur Grossmann, known as Arthur Freed, was an American producer and lyricist, born September 9, 1894 in Charleston, South Carolina, and died April 12, 1973 in Los Angeles, California. The films he produced totaled 21 Oscars and grossed over $280 million. Producer, songwriter and author, brother... More

Arthur Grossmann, known as Arthur Freed, was an American producer and lyricist, born September 9, 1894 in Charleston, South Carolina, and died April 12, 1973 in Los Angeles, California. The films he produced totaled 21 Oscars and grossed over $280 million. Producer, songwriter and author, brother to Ralph Freed, Walter and Ruth Freed. He was educated at the Phillips Exeter Academy, and became associated with Gus Edwardsmusical acts. He performed in vaudeville with Louis Silvers, with whom he wrote revues for New York restaurants. During World War I, he staged military shows, then managed a theatre, eventually producing his own musical shows, finally joining MGM under contract. His Academy Award winning films include An American in Paris (1951), _Gigi(1958)_ andIrving Thalberg Awards. In 1964, he became President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Joining ASCAP in 1924, his chief musical collaborator was Nacio Herb Brown, and also included Gus Arnheim, Al Hoffman and Harry Warren.