Leueen MacGrath

Leueen MacGrath (1914–1992) was a British-born actress, playwright, and screenwriter best known for her successful writing collaborations with American playwright and husband George S. Kaufman. With a sharp wit and theatrical sensibility, MacGrath contributed to a number of notable plays and screen projects during the mid-20th century, often focusing on themes of romance, identity, and social satire.

Born on July 3, 1914, in London, England, MacGrath began her career as a stage actress in both the U.K. and the U.S. before transitioning into writing. Her background as a performer informed her writing style, giving her a keen understanding of character, dialogue, and stage rhythm.

She gained prominence as a co-author of several plays with Kaufman, including the Broadway hit The Solid Gold Cadillac (1953), a satirical comedy about corporate corruption and female empowerment. The play was a critical and commercial success and was later adapted into a popular film. Another notable collaboration was Fancy Meeting You Again (1952), a romantic comedy co-written with Kaufman and others.

In addition to her stage work, MacGrath co-wrote screenplays and television scripts, further demonstrating her versatility as a writer. She and Kaufman remained frequent collaborators until their divorce, after which MacGrath continued to work in theatre and television independently.

Leueen MacGrath passed away on March 27, 1992. Though often associated with her work alongside Kaufman, she held her own as a talented writer and creative force in mid-century theatre. Her contributions helped shape a number of successful productions, and her legacy endures as a trailblazing woman in the world of playwriting and screenwriting.