Date of Birth: December 8, 1915
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: July 2, 2005
Biography
Ernest Lehman was an acclaimed American screenwriter and producer known for his work on some of the most iconic films of the mid-20th century. Born in New York City, Lehman initially pursued a career in journalism before transitioning to fiction writing and screenwriting. His knack for storytelling and his talent for crafting engaging, complex narratives quickly made him a sought-after writer in Hollywood. Lehman’s breakthrough came with the screenplay for “Sabrina” (1954), which he co-wrote with Billy Wilder and Samuel A. Taylor. This success was followed by a string of critically acclaimed films, including “North by Northwest” (1959), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and “West Side Story” (1961), for which he adapted the musical into a screenplay. Lehman’s work on these projects earned him several nominations and awards, solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood’s leading screenwriters. In addition to screenwriting, Lehman also ventured into producing, and his credits include the film “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (1966). Over his career, Lehman received numerous accolades, including an honorary Academy Award in 2001 for his contributions to the art of screenwriting.
5 Interesting Facts about Ernest Lehman
1. Ernest Lehman was the first screenwriter to receive an honorary Academy Award, which he was awarded in 2001.
2. He wrote the screenplay for “The Sound of Music” (1965), one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
3. Lehman was also a novelist, and his book “Sweet Smell of Success” was adapted into a film in 1957, which he also co-wrote.
4. He worked with legendary directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Robert Wise, contributing to the success of their films.
5. Despite his success in Hollywood, Lehman never won a competitive Oscar, despite being nominated six times.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ernest Lehman
1. “The secret of a good screenplay is making the audience care about the characters.”
2. “Writing is not just a job, it’s a way of life.”
3. “A screenplay should be a living, breathing document that evolves as the story unfolds.”
4. “Great films begin with great stories, and great stories begin with great screenplays.”
5. “The power of cinema lies in its ability to transport audiences to different worlds and times through compelling narratives.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Ernest Lehman’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Ernest Lehman had two children, a son named Roger and a daughter named Laurie.
Relevant Links
1. [Ernest Lehman IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0499810/
2. [Ernest Lehman at the Academy Awards](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2001
3. [Biography of Ernest Lehman](https://www.biography.com/writer/ernest-lehman
4. [Ernest Lehman on TCM](http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/113362%7C48496/Ernest-Lehman/
