Was nominated for Tony Awards two times in 1965 for "Luv:" as Best
Author (Dramatic) and as author of the Best Play nominee.
He graduated from Brooklyn Law School and earned a bachelor's degree from the New School for Social Research.
He left high school to join the Navy and was a radio operator during WWII. He earned his diploma in night school, supporting himself by setting up pins at a bowling alley and working in the Garment District.
He was the son of Irene (Sperling), a bank clerk, and Abraham Schisgal, a tailor. His parents were Russian Jewish immigrants.