Josh Schwartz Biography

Fast Facts

• Won the Nicholson Award for Screenwriting his sophomore year at USC, the highest honor an undergraduate can attain within the school's film program, but it was revoked as only juniors and seniors were eligible
• Attended the University of Southern California's film school, but dropped out after gaining success within the industry
• Both of his parents served as lead toy designers at Hasbro
• Realized he wanted to be a full-time writer after winning an essay contest at age 7 with a review of the recently released film, "Gremlins․"
• Quote: "One of the great things about making a show for a younger audience is that the things you love in your teens and 20s, you will always love․"
• After gaining critical acclaim for his work on Fox's "The O․C․" which lasted four seasons, he went on to pitch other well-known series like NBC's "Chuck" and CW's "Gossip Girl"
• Formed Fake Empire Productions in 2010 with writing partner and frequent collaborator Stephanie Savage
• A close friend of Rachel Bilson, he and his wife named her the godmother of their first child
• Became one of television's youngest series creators ever when he sold "The O․C․" in 2003 at the age of 26