This began a series of highly successful plays on Broadway (often from works by Simon) that would establish his reputation. After directing an off-Broadway production of Ann Jellicoe's "The Knack", Nichols directed Murray Schisgal's play "Luv" in 1964. Again the show was a hit and Nichols won a Tony Award (shared with "The Odd Couple"). In 1965 he directed another play by Neil Simon, "The Odd Couple". The original production starred Art Carney as Felix Ungar and Walter Matthau as Oscar Madison. The play ran for 966 performances and won Tony Awards for Nichols, Simon and Matthau. Overall, Nichols won nine Tony Awards: including six for Best Director of either a play or a musical, one for Best Play, and one for Best Musical.