Date of Birth: December 12, 1901
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: August 17, 1995
Biography
Howard E. Koch (pronounced “Kotch”) was an American playwright and screenwriter born on December 12, 1901, in New York City. Koch is best known for co-writing the screenplay for the classic 1942 film “Casablanca,” for which he won an Academy Award. He began his career writing for radio, most notably contributing to the infamous 1938 “War of the Worlds” broadcast by Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre, which caused widespread panic. Koch’s work in Hollywood during the 1940s established him as a significant figure in American cinema. Despite facing blacklisting during the McCarthy era, he continued to write under pseudonyms. His rich career also included writing for theater and publishing several books. Koch passed away on August 17, 1995, in Kingston, New York.
5 Interesting Facts about Howard E. Koch
1. Howard E. Koch was co-writer of the screenplay for “Casablanca,” one of Hollywood’s most beloved films.
2. He wrote for the Mercury Theatre’s “War of the Worlds” broadcast, which famously caused public hysteria.
3. Koch was blacklisted during the McCarthy era, leading him to write under pseudonyms.
4. He studied at Columbia University and later graduated from Harvard Law School.
5. Koch also wrote several books, including “As Time Goes By,” which reflects on his experiences in Hollywood.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Howard E. Koch
1. “A writer should have the precision of a poet and the imagination of a scientist.”
2. “The play’s the thing—wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.”
3. “Casablanca was a collaborative effort, and its success is owed to many hands and minds.”
4. “In writing, you must be true to your characters and let them lead you, rather than impose your will upon them.”
5. “The power of radio lies in its ability to create a theater of the mind.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Howard E. Koch’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $5 million.
Children
Howard E. Koch had two children: Peter Koch and Barbara Koch.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Howard E. Koch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_E._Koch
2. [IMDb – Howard E. Koch](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0462323/
4. [Howard E. Koch – Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Howard-E-Koch
