Ben Hecht

Ben Hecht was an American screenwriter, director, producer, playwright, journalist, and novelist, born on February 28, 1894, in New York City. Hecht s career spanned several decades and he became a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and journalism. He began his professional life as a journalist before transitioning to writing, producing, and directing in Hollywood. Throughout his career, Hecht wrote 35 books and contributed to some of the most popular and influential...See more

Ben Hecht was an American screenwriter, director, producer, playwright, journalist, and novelist, born on February 28, 1894, in New York City. Hecht s career spanned several decades and he became a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and journalism. He began his professional life as a journalist before transitioning to writing, producing, and directing in Hollywood. Throughout his career, Hecht wrote 35 books and contributed to some of the most popular and influential screenplays and plays of his time. His works, such as Twentieth Century and Ladies and Gentlemen, were known for their wit and dramatic flair. Hecht was a master at blending sharp dialogue with insightful commentary on social issues. He married twice, first to Marie Armstrong (1915-1926) and later to Rose Caylor in 1926, with whom he remained until his death. Hecht passed away on April 18, 1964, at the age of 70 in New York. His legacy endures through his numerous plays, screenplays, and novels, which continue to be celebrated for their innovation and impact on American theater and cinema. See less