Winchell Smith

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1871, Winchell Smith built a long career as an American playwright, producer, and man of the theater. He is especially remembered for writing popular stage comedies at a time when Broadway was becoming a major force in American entertainment.

Among his biggest successes were Brewster's Millions (1906) and Lightnin' (1918). Several of his plays were later adapted for film, which helped carry his work to even larger audiences.

Smith died in Farmington, Connecticut, in 1933. Though he is not as widely known today as some of his contemporaries, his record of commercial success and his connection to both stage and screen make him a notable figure in American theater history.