Date of Birth: March 27, 1914
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: August 5, 2009
Biography
Budd Schulberg was an influential American screenwriter, novelist, and sports writer, renowned for his sharp and incisive writing that often explored themes of corruption, morality, and the American dream. Born into a show business family, Schulberg was the son of B.P. Schulberg, a pioneering film producer, and Adeline Jaffe Schulberg, a literary agent. His early exposure to Hollywood’s inner workings deeply influenced his writing career. Schulberg’s most notable work includes the novel “What Makes Sammy Run?” (1941), a scathing critique of the ruthless ambition in Hollywood. He gained even greater acclaim for his screenplay for “On the Waterfront” (1954), a film that earned him an Academy Award for Best Story and Screenplay. His work on “A Face in the Crowd” (1957) further showcased his talent in blending social commentary with compelling storytelling. Throughout his career, Schulberg also contributed to sports journalism and served as a boxing correspondent. Despite facing controversies, including his involvement in the House Un-American Activities Committee, Schulberg’s legacy endures through his impactful writings and contributions to American literature and cinema.
5 Interesting Facts about Budd Schulberg
1. Budd Schulberg was born into a prominent family in the entertainment industry, with his father being a pioneering film producer and his mother a literary agent.
2. He won an Academy Award for Best Story and Screenplay for “On the Waterfront” (1954), a film that remains a classic in American cinema.
3. His novel “What Makes Sammy Run?” (1941) is considered one of the most scathing critiques of Hollywood’s cutthroat nature.
4. Schulberg was a member of the Communist Party USA in the 1930s but left the party and later testified as a friendly witness before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).
5. In addition to his work in film and literature, Schulberg was an avid sports writer and served as a boxing correspondent.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Budd Schulberg
1. “I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am.”
2. “Living with a conscience is like driving a car with the brakes on.”
3. “If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. A miracle is just a shift in perception.”
4. “The writer who can’t do anything except write is just as badly off as the plumber who can’t do anything except plumb.”
5. “I’m not a hero. I’m a writer. I feel like one of those people who stands in the wings and watches the hero strut on stage.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Budd Schulberg’s highest net worth is estimated to have been around $5 million.
Children
Budd Schulberg had three children: Benn Schulberg, Victoria Schulberg, and Jessica Schulberg.
Relevant Links
1. [Budd Schulberg – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0776201/
2. [Budd Schulberg – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budd_Schulberg
