George Forrest, born George Forrest Chichester Jr. on July 31, 1915, in Brooklyn, New York, was a renowned American composer and lyricist known for his significant contributions to musical theatre. He passed away on October 10, 1999, in Miami, Florida. Throughout his career, Forrest worked closely with his longtime collaborator Robert Wright, with whom he shared a unique talent for adapting classical music themes into Broadway musicals and films. Their partnership spanned over 70 years, resulting in approximately 2,000 songs across 16 stage musicals, 18 revues, and 58 movies.

Forrest and Wright's work is best exemplified in the Tony Award-winning musical "Kismet," which was adapted from the music of Alexander Borodin. Other notable works include "Song of Norway," which utilized the music of Edvard Grieg, and "The Great Waltz," based on the works of Johann Strauss I and II. Their ability to blend classical compositions with new lyrics earned them critical acclaim and a lasting legacy in the world of musical theatre. In recognition of their contributions, they received the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers Award in 1995. Forrest's remains were cremated at Van Orsdel (Northside Chapel) Crematory in Miami.