Arthur Penn

Date of Birth: September 27, 1922

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: September 28, 2010

Biography

Arthur Penn was an influential American director born on September 27, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is best known for his work in film and television, particularly for his innovative approach to storytelling and his willingness to tackle complex and controversial subjects. Penn began his career in television during the 1950s, directing episodes of anthology series such as “Philco Television Playhouse” and “Playhouse 90.” His transition to film was marked by his directorial debut with “The Left Handed Gun” (1958), a revisionist take on the Billy the Kid legend. Penn’s breakthrough came with the 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde,” which he directed. The film was a critical and commercial success, known for its stylistic innovations and its unflinching portrayal of violence. It is often credited with helping to usher in the New Hollywood era of filmmaking. Throughout his career, Arthur Penn continued to challenge audiences with films like “Alice’s Restaurant” (1969), “Little Big Man” (1970), and “Night Moves” (1975). In addition to his work in film, Penn also had a successful career in theater, directing Broadway productions such as “The Miracle Worker,” which earned him a Tony Award. He continued to work in both film and theater until his retirement. Penn passed away on September 28, 2010, a day after his 88th birthday.

5 Interesting Facts about Arthur Penn

1. Arthur Penn was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Director during his career.

2. He served in the United States Army during World War II, where he entertained troops as part of an entertainment unit.

3. Penn directed the original Broadway production of “The Miracle Worker,” which starred Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke.

4. He was a mentor to several prominent directors, including Warren Beatty and Francis Ford Coppola.

5. Penn was instrumental in the development of the “New Hollywood” era, which emphasized more personal and unconventional storytelling in American cinema.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur Penn

1. “Movies are a kind of conversation between directors. And I’m very happy to have been part of that conversation.”

2. “Every film is a kind of experiment. You always hope it will work, but you never know.”

3. “A good director creates an environment, which gives the actor the encouragement to fly.”

4. “I think ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ was one of the films that began to change the rules about what you could show in movies.”

5. “The theater is a place where you can still find yourself as an artist.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Arthur Penn’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Arthur Penn had two children: a daughter named Molly Penn, who is an artist, and a son named Matthew Penn, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a television director.