George M. Cohan dominated the American theater at the beginning of the 20th century. He was an actor, composer, dancer, director, playwright, producer, and singer. Cohan began in show business as a child, performing in his family's vaudeville act. By the age of 17, he was managing the act and writing vaudeville sketches and songs. From his first full-length play in 1901, The Governor's Son, came two of his most enduring songs: "The Yankee Doodle Boy" and "Give My Regards to Broadway". Strongly patriotic, two of his songs were World War I favorites: "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Over There".