Date of Birth: August 12, 1912
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: October 30, 1997
Biography
Samuel Michael Fuller was an American film director, screenwriter, and novelist known for his gritty, unflinching portrayals of war, crime, and social issues. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Fuller began his career as a crime reporter at the age of 17, which significantly influenced his later work in Hollywood. He served in World War II, earning a Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Purple Heart for his bravery. His experiences during the war deeply impacted his filmmaking style, often bringing a raw and authentic perspective to his movies. Fuller’s directorial debut came with the film “I Shot Jesse James” (1949), followed by a string of successful and influential films including “The Steel Helmet” (1951), “Pickup on South Street” (1953), and “Shock Corridor” (1963). Known for his unorthodox techniques and narrative style, Fuller’s work was often ahead of its time, tackling themes such as racism, corruption, and the human condition. Throughout his career, Fuller maintained a fiercely independent spirit, often clashing with studios over artistic control. Despite this, he left an indelible mark on the film industry, influencing countless directors and earning a cult following. Fuller passed away on October 30, 1997, in Hollywood, California.
5 Interesting Facts about Samuel Fuller
1. Samuel Fuller was a teenage crime reporter before becoming a filmmaker, starting his journalism career at 17.
2. He served in the First Infantry Division during World War II, participating in North Africa and Sicily campaigns, and the D-Day landings.
3. Fuller was known for his independent filmmaking style, often writing, directing, and producing his own films.
4. His film “The Big Red One” (1980) is considered a semi-autobiographical account of his WWII experiences.
5. Fuller was blacklisted during the McCarthy era but continued to work under pseudonyms.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Samuel Fuller
1. “Film is like a battleground. Love, hate, action, violence, death… In a word, emotion.”
2. “A film is like a battleground, there’s love, hate, action, violence, death… In one word: emotion.”
3. “You have to be yourself. Stay true to what you believe in. Do what’s important to you. Do what you feel.”
4. “I am a writer, and I will write what I want to write.”
5. “The main thing about directing is: photograph the people’s eyes.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, Samuel Fuller’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Samuel Fuller had one daughter, Samantha Fuller, who has worked to preserve and promote her father’s legacy and his contributions to cinema.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Samuel Fuller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Fuller
2. [IMDb – Samuel Fuller](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002087/
