Norman Krasna Biography

Fast Facts

• Put himself through Columbia University and later St․ John's University Law School by working at Macy's department store during the day
• Married the widow of Al Jolson one year after the entertainer's death in 1950
• Initially interested in a career in journalism, he fast-talked his way into becoming a drama critic at New York World at age 21
• He moved to Hollywood after establishing himself as a critic on the East Coast, starting out with Warner Brother before eventually moving on to Columbia Pictures and later MGM, RKO and Universal
• Became well-known in Hollywood for writing screwball comedies as well as wisecracking one-liners and continued to find work for more than four decades because of his renowned sense of humor
• Bald from an early age, he was reportedly very sensitive about it and often disliked people with a full head of hair
• While learning to become a playwright, he practiced by repeatedly typing "The Front Page" on a typewriter, a feat he would complete more than 20 times over