Acclaimed filmmaker behind screwball comedies of the 1940s, known for witty dialogue and zany characters in classics like "The Lady Eve" and "Sullivan's Travels".
Preston Sturges is renowned as the first screenwriter to find success as a director, paving the way for a new generation of filmmakers. He is credited with establishing a unique style of filmmaking that was literate, spiky, defensive, and notably personal, often infused with humor.
Born Edmund Preston Biden on August 29, 1898, Sturges began his career as a playwright and screenwriter. His big break came when he sold the story for The Great McGinty to Paramount Pictures for a mere $10, in exchange for directing the film. This bold move marked the beginning of a new era in Hollywood, where writers could transition into directing their own scripts.
Sturges' success with The Great McGinty earned him the first Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 1940. He went on to receive Oscar nominations for The Miracle of Morgans Creek and Hail the Conquering Hero, both released in 1944.
Sturges is perhaps best known for his string of classic comedies, including The Lady Eve, Sullivans Travels (both 1941), and The Palm Beach Story (1942). These films have been recognized by the American Film Institute as among the top 100 comedies of all time.
Sturges' pioneering spirit and innovative approach to filmmaking have inspired generations of directors. According to the documentary Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer, he opened the gates for future filmmakers by establishing himself as a writer-director, making him one of the most celebrated figures of the 1940s.
Despite his meteoric rise to fame, Sturges' star began to fade in the later years of his career. He continued to work on various projects, but none achieved the same level of success as his earlier films. Sturges passed away on August 6, 1959, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazing filmmaker and writer.
Today, Preston Sturges is remembered as a visionary filmmaker who broke new ground in Hollywood and left an indelible mark on the comedy genre. His innovative approach to storytelling and filmmaking continues to inspire new generations of writers, directors, and comedians.
Born in 1896
Pioneering filmmaker behind classic movies like "Scarface" and "His Girl Friday", known for his versatile directing style and witty dialogue.
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Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind iconic movies like "Some Like It Hot" and "Sunset Boulevard", known for his witty dialogue and genre-bending storytelling.
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A pioneering golfer who won multiple PGA Tour events and was a member of the Ryder Cup team, known for his consistent play and sportsmanship.
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A pioneering filmmaker and master of cinematic storytelling, known for his innovative narrative techniques and iconic films like "Citizen Kane" and "Touch of Evil".
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Acclaimed director and producer behind iconic films like "My Fair Lady" and "A Star is Born", known for his sophisticated comedies and ability to elicit strong performances from actresses.
Born in 1902
Acclaimed filmmaker behind iconic movies like "Ben-Hur" and "Roman Holiday", known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to elicit powerful performances from actors.
