Samuel Ornitz was born on November 15, 1890, in New York City. After graduating from high school, he pursued a career in social work and worked for the New York Prison Association. His early experiences in the city helped shape his views on social justice and equality, which would later influence his work as a writer.
In 1933, Samuel Ornitz became one of the founding members of the Screen Writers Guild, a labor union that fought for the rights and fair treatment of screenwriters in Hollywood. His involvement in the guild marked the beginning of his activism in the industry and his dedication to improving working conditions for writers.
During the era of McCarthyism, Samuel Ornitz, along with nine other screenwriters, became known as the "Hollywood Ten" for their refusal to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. As a result, he was blacklisted from working in Hollywood and faced severe consequences for his political beliefs.
Despite being blacklisted, Samuel Ornitz continued to write and publish works that challenged social norms and explored controversial themes. He penned the screenplays for films such as 1934's 'Imitation of Life' and wrote best-selling novels like 1951's 'Bride of the Sabbath.' His writing delved into issues of race, gender, and class, making him a prominent voice in the literary world.
Samuel Ornitz was married to a woman named Sadie and had two sons, Arthur and Don. He cherished his family and found solace in their love and support, especially during challenging times in his career.
Samuel Ornitz's legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work as a writer and his unwavering commitment to social justice. Despite facing adversity and persecution, he remained true to his beliefs and continued to use his voice to advocate for change. His contributions to literature and film have left a lasting impact on future generations of artists and activists.
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