Paddy Chayefsky Biography

Fast Facts

• Succeeded as a playwright and a novelist, but especially as a screenwriter with his Academy Award-winning films, "Marty," "The Hospital," and "Network․"
• While in the U․S․ Army fighting in World War II, he received the nickname “Paddy” and a Purple Heart
• Quote: "A writer is what he writes, and I would like to be remembered as a good writer․ I would like the stuff I write to be done and read for many generations․ I just hope the world lasts that long․"
• He joined the American Society of composers, Authors and Publishers in 1955 where he went on to release his popular Academy Award-winning film "Marty," that premiered on "The Philco Television Playhouse․"
• His writing style has a reputation for having the protagonist wrestle with personal problems and have troubles managing their emotions
• Made a special addition to the contract for his Academy Award-winning film "Marty," stating that only he could write the screenplay
• Won 3 solo Academy Awards for Best Screenplay, one of two people to do this