Herman J. Mankiewicz

Date of Birth: November 7, 1897

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: March 5, 1953

Biography

Herman J. Mankiewicz was an influential American screenwriter born on November 7, 1897, in New York City. He is best known for his work on the classic film “Citizen Kane,” for which he co-wrote the screenplay with Orson Welles. Mankiewicz’s career began in journalism, where he worked for the Chicago Tribune and The New York Times. He later moved to Hollywood in the 1920s, where he quickly made a name for himself as a brilliant but often controversial writer. Mankiewicz’s sharp wit and incisive dialogue became his trademark, earning him a place among the leading screenwriters of his time. Despite his success, he struggled with alcoholism, which often affected his professional relationships and career stability. Nevertheless, his contributions to cinema have left a lasting impact. In addition to “Citizen Kane,” his notable works include “The Pride of the Yankees,” “Dinner at Eight,” and “The Enchanted Cottage.” Mankiewicz passed away on March 5, 1953, in Hollywood, California, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be celebrated in film history.

5 Interesting Facts about Herman J. Mankiewicz

1. Herman J. Mankiewicz was the older brother of Joseph L. Mankiewicz, another famous screenwriter and director.

2. He was once the highest-paid writer in Hollywood, earning $2,500 a week during the 1930s.

3. Mankiewicz was known for his sharp tongue and brilliant wit, often engaging in public feuds with other Hollywood figures.

4. He was one of the first writers hired by Paramount Pictures when they started producing sound films.

5. Despite his professional success, Mankiewicz’s struggle with alcoholism was well-known and often impacted his work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Herman J. Mankiewicz

1. “There, but for the grace of God, goes God.” – Referring to Orson Welles.

2. “I’m the smartest man in the world, but I don’t know enough to come in out of the rain.”

3. “If people think I am a bad writer, they are wrong. I just write badly.”

4. “The amount of money you make is inversely proportional to the amount of time you spend working.”

5. “You cannot afford to hire me, and I cannot afford to work for you.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Herman J. Mankiewicz was earning $2,500 a week during the 1930s, which would be equivalent to approximately $40,000 a week today.

Children

Herman J. Mankiewicz had three children: Don Mankiewicz, Johanna Mankiewicz Davis, and Frank Mankiewicz. Don became a successful screenwriter and novelist, Frank was a prominent journalist and political advisor, and Johanna pursued a career in screenwriting and producing.