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Norman Panama Biography

Birth Name:Norman Panama

Birth Place:Chicago, Illinois, United States

Profession Writer, Director, Producer, Assistant director

Fast Facts

  • Recipient of an Edgar Award in the early '80s for his work with the stage production, "A Talent for Murder"
  • Passed away at age 89 due to complications from Parkinson's disease
  • Met classmate Melvin Frank while attending the University of Chicago in the early '30s
  • While not working with longtime writing partner Melvin Frank, he would also lend his comedic talents to friends Bob Hope and Groucho Marx, adding gags to their comedy routines
  • Signed a five-year contract with Paramount Pictures after selling "My Favorite Blonde" to them in 1942, returning once again in the late '50s for a second five-year stint

Awards

  • 1947Oscar-Best Writing, Original Screenplay: nominated
  • 1949WGA Award (Screen)-Best Written American Comedy: nominated
  • 1954DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures: nominated
  • 1954WGA Award (Screen)-Best Written American Drama: nominated
  • 1955Oscar-Best Writing, Story and Screenplay: nominated
  • 1955DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures: nominated
  • 1955WGA Award (Screen)-Best Written American Comedy: nominated
  • 1960WGA Award (Screen)-Best Written American Musical: nominated
  • 1961Oscar-Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen: nominated
  • 1961WGA Award (Screen)-Best Written American Comedy: nominated