- Born
- Died
- Birth nameCharles Davies Lederer
- Nickname
- Charlie
- Charles Lederer was born on December 31, 1911 in New York City, New York, USA. He was a writer and director, known for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), The Thing from Another World (1951) and His Girl Friday (1940). He was married to Anne Shirley and Virginia Nicolson. He died on March 5, 1976 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
- SpousesAnne Shirley(October 19, 1949 - March 5, 1976) (his death, 1 child)Virginia Nicolson(May 16, 1940 - February 28, 1949) (divorced)
- Children
- Parents
- RelativesPepi Lederer(Sibling)Marion Davies(Aunt or Uncle)Rosemary Davies(Aunt or Uncle)Patricia Lake(Cousin)
- Nephew of Marion Davies.
- Introduced by Ben Hecht to prominent New York literati, he became a junior member of the legendary Algonquin Round Table, presided over by writer and noted wit Dorothy Parker.
- Had one son, Daniel, from his marriage to actress Anne Shirley. Daniel later became a poet.
- American screenwriter, best known for his adaptations of comic subjects. Attended the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 1929. Raised by his aunt, the actress Marion Davies. Through her connections to William Randolph Hearst, got a job as a journalist. Became a protégé of Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, collaborating on the screenplay for 'The Front Page' (additional dialogue). Subsequently, became a well-respected writer of sharp, witty scripts, doing some of his best work in conjunction with the director Howard Hawks. Was under contract at Paramount in the early 30's; later at MGM (1938-42) and 20th Century Fox (1949-53), in-between freelancing.
- His later years were marred by severe arthritis, which made him heavily dependent on pain-killing prescription drugs.
- There are no enemies in science, professor. Only phenomena to study.
- Knowledge is more important than life. We've only one excuse for existing, to think, to find out, to learn.
- [on John Houseman]: Of course, Houseman hates Orson [Welles]. After all, he owes him everything.
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