Preston Sturges

Date of Birth: August 29, 1898

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: August 6, 1959

Biography

Preston Sturges was an American playwright, screenwriter, and film director celebrated for his sharp, witty, and innovative contributions to the golden age of Hollywood. Born Edmund Preston Biden on August 29, 1898, in Chicago, Illinois, he changed his last name to Sturges after his mother remarried. Sturges began his career in the theater and garnered critical acclaim with his Broadway play “Strictly Dishonorable” in 1929. Transitioning to Hollywood in the 1930s, Sturges established himself as a formidable screenwriter, penning scripts for films such as “The Power and the Glory” (1933). In 1940, he directed his own script for “The Great McGinty,” a move that led to his becoming one of the first writers to also direct their own screenplays, earning him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Sturges went on to create a string of successful comedies, including “The Lady Eve” (1941), “Sullivan’s Travels” (1941), and “The Palm Beach Story” (1942). Despite his early successes, Sturges faced financial and professional challenges later in his career. He passed away on August 6, 1959, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy that has influenced generations of filmmakers.

5 Interesting Facts about Preston Sturges

1. Preston Sturges was awarded an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for “The Great McGinty” (1940), making him one of the first writer-directors in Hollywood.

2. His mother, Mary Desti, was a close friend of Isadora Duncan, the famous dancer, and even authored a book about her.

3. Sturges was known for his rapid-fire dialogue and sophisticated humor, which set a new standard for screwball comedies.

4. He was married four times and had a tumultuous personal life, which often mirrored the chaos and wit of his films.

5. Despite his early critical and commercial success, Sturges faced financial difficulties later in life, partly due to his lavish lifestyle and business ventures.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Preston Sturges

1. “A pratfall is better than anything I could write.”

2. “You can’t go around the bend unless you’ve been near it in the first place.”

3. “Film is the greatest educational medium the world has ever known.”

4. “I have a reasonable feeling of optimism for the future of mankind.”

5. “My advice to young writers is to relax and don’t be afraid of writing bad stuff, it can always be fixed.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his success in the 1940s, Preston Sturges’ net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, which is equivalent to approximately $15 million today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

Preston Sturges had three children: 1. Solomon Sturges IV – He followed in his father’s footsteps and worked in the film industry. 2. Thomas Preston Sturges – Known as Tom Sturges, he became a music executive and author. 3. Preston Sturges Jr. – He lived a relatively private life compared to his siblings.