Paddy Chayefsky Headshot

Paddy Chayefsky

Date of Death: August 01, 1981 (58)

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Paddy Chayefsky BIO

Paddy Chayefsky was an American playwright, screenwriter, and novelist born on January 29, 1923, in The Bronx, New York. He is best known for his work on the stage and screen, including the films "Marty," "Network," and "The Hospital."
Chayefsky began his career as a writer in the 1940s, working as a radio dramatist for programs such as "The Great Gildersleeve" and "The Chase and Sanborn Hour." He also wrote for television, creating scripts for shows like "Philco Television Playhouse" and "The Alcoa Hour."
In 1955, Chayefsky's first play, "Marty," premiered on Broadway. The play tells the story of a lonely, middle-aged butcher who falls in love with a schoolteacher. "Marty" was a critical and commercial success, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. The play was later adapted into a film, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1956.
Chayefsky continued to write for the stage throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with plays such as "The Tenth Man," "Gideon," and "The Passion of Josef D." He also wrote for television during this time, creating the acclaimed drama "The Americanization of Emily" for NBC in 1964.
In 1971, Chayefsky wrote the screenplay for the film "The Hospital," which starred George C. Scott as a doctor struggling to cope with the chaos of a New York City hospital. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Chayefsky his second Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Chayefsky's most famous work, however, is the 1976 film "Network," which satirizes the television industry and its effect on American society. The film stars Peter Finch as a news anchor who has a mental breakdown on live television, sparking a media frenzy. "Network" was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay for Chayefsky.
Chayefsky continued to work in television and film throughout the 1970s and 1980s, creating the miniseries "Holocaust" and the films "Altered States" and "The Formula." He also wrote the screenplay for the 1980 film "The Elephant Man," which was directed by David Lynch.
Paddy Chayefsky died on August 1, 1981, in New York City, at the age of 58. Despite his relatively short career, Chayefsky is remembered as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century

Paddy Chayefsky Productions

 
[Broadway, 1964]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Source Material

Paddy Chayefsky Awards and Nominations

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1962 - Best American Play

Paddy Chayefsky, Gideon

Tony Awards - 1962 - Best Play

Paddy Chayefsky, Gideon

Tony Awards - 1960 - Best Play

Paddy Chayefsky, The Tenth Man

Paddy Chayefsky Videos

Paddy Chayefsky News


Invictus Theatre Company Moves To Windy City Playhouse; 2024 Season Revealed

Invictus Theatre Company has announced a new home and a four-play season for 2024. Invictus will move to the Windy City Playhouse, the former producing company and venue that closed early last year. Learn more about the season here!

JOB, Starring Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon, Returns Off-Broadway Next Month

JOB, the critically acclaimed psychological thriller about the toll life on the internet takes on all of us, which played a sold-out, twice-extended Off Broadway run this fall, will return for an encore engagement next month.  Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!

Tony-Winning Stage and Screen Actress Frances Sternhagen Dies at 93

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that stage and screen actress Frances Sternhagen has died at age 93. Learn more about her life and career here.

Thirdwing Premieres UNITED NATIONS Drama At New 154 On Christopher

Thirdwing presents the World Premiere of 'UNITED NATIONS: THE OTHER WEST,' a darkly comedic drama set within the UN Headquarters in New York. This innovative hybrid theater company brings bold new works to the stage and streaming platforms. Don't miss this powerful production starring Matthew Sanders, Yelena Shmulenson, Wesli Spencer, and Siobhan Crystal.

World Premiere of JOB Extends Through Mid-October at SoHo Playhouse

JOB, the world premiere of a new play by Max Wolf Friedlich, starring Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon has extended its critically acclaimed run.

Review Roundup: Theresa Rebeck's DIG Opens At Primary Stages

PRIMARY STAGES and 59E59 Theaters present Dig, a new play written and directed by Pulitzer Prize finalist Theresa Rebeck. Read the reviews!

Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon Will Lead New Off-Broadway Play JOB

Tony nominee Peter Friedman (Ragtime, “Succession,” Single White Female) and Sydney Lemmon (TÁR, “Helstrom,” 'Succession') will star in the world premiere of JOB by Max Wolf Friedlich (SleepOver), directed by Michael Herwitz (Mr. Parker).

Photos: Commune Comedy VERMONT Opens At Wild Project

After scoring hits with the Disney union strike drama Burbank (called “smart and entertaining” by Laura Collins Hughes of The New York Times) and the mass media drama Television, Thirdwing presents the World Premiere of VERMONT by Rachel Carey. See photos from the production.

Thirdwing Premieres Commune Comedy VERMONT This July

After scoring hits with the Disney union strike drama Burbank and the mass media drama Television, Thirdwing, will present the World Premiere of VERMONT by Rachel Carey (The Female Genius) beginning previews July 18 at the wild project. Opening night is set for Sunday, July 23. Thirdwing is an innovative new hybrid theater company that has been presenting bold new works both live and streaming under a subscription model (like Hulu or Netflix) since January 2020.

BIRTH OF A MURDERER Heads Into Final Weekend At Desert Stages

Birth of a Murderer will complete its run at Desert Stages at Scottsdale Fashion Square, June 9 and June 10. 

Thirdwing Explores Media Manipulation In New Drama TELEVISION

After scoring a hit last season with the Disney union strike drama Burbank (called 'smart and entertaining' by Laura Collins Hughes of The New York Times), Thirdwing, will present the World Premiere of TELEVISION by Cameron Darwin Bossert beginning previews April 6 at the wild project. Opening night is set for Wednesday, April 12.

Florida Studio Theatre Extends Run Of Captivating Drama, NETWORK

Florida Studio Theatre has announced the extension of its Regional Premiere production of Network, a fast-paced play based on the Academy Award-winning screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky. Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, Network follows the downward spiral of Howard Beale, a longtime news anchor who is being let go due to poor ratings.

Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell & Kelli O'Hara to Star in RAGTIME Reunion Concert

The Entertainment Community Fund's one-night-only benefit reunion concert of Ragtime, originally scheduled for 2020, will take place on Monday, March 27, 2023 at the Minskoff Theatre. Learn who is starring in the concert, and how to purchase tickets!

Atlantic Theater Extends CORNELIA STREET Starring George Abud, Norbert Leo Butz, Mary Beth Peil, and More

Atlantic Theater Company (Neil Pepe, Artistic Director; Jeffory Lawson, Managing Director) has announced an extension for the world premiere musical Cornelia Street. The production, which will begin performances this Friday, January 20th and open on Tuesday, February 14th, will now play through Sunday, March 5th, Off-Broadway at Atlantic Stage 2.

Regional Premiere of NETWORK to be Presented at Florida Studio Theatre This Month

Florida Studio Theatre will present the Regional Premiere of Network, adapted by Lee Hall and based on the Academy Award-winning screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky.

George Abud, Norbert Leo Butz, Mary Beth Peil & More to Star in CORNELIA STREET World Premiere

Atlantic Theater Company has announced casting for the world premiere musical Cornelia Street, with a book by Tony Award winner Simon Stephens. Find out who is joining the cast, the performance schedule and how to get tickets.

Review: NETWORK Opens the Citadel Theatre's 2022-2023 Season

The 1976 satire film comes to life on stage.

Florida Studio Theatre Announces Lineup For Its 49th Winter Season

Florida Studio Theatre has announced the lineup for its 49th Winter Season, featuring a four-show Mainstage Series and a three-show Cabaret Series.

Photos: Disney Unionization Drama BURBANK Opens At The Wild Project

Thirdwing, an innovative new hybrid theater company that has been presenting bold new works both live and streaming under a subscription model (like Hulu or Netflix) since January 2020, presents the World Premiere of BURBANK by Cameron Darwin Bossert at the wild project. See photos from the production!

NETWORK Comes To The Citadel Theatre, September 17 �" October 9

Rehearsals are underway at the Citadel for Network, based on the Academy Award-winning screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky.

Paddy Chayefsky FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Paddy Chayefsky written?

Paddy Chayefsky has written 6 shows including Middle of the Night (Playwright), The Tenth Man (Playwright), Gideon (Playwright), The Passion of Josef D. (Playwright), The Tenth Man (Playwright), A Catered Affair (Source Material).

What awards has Paddy Chayefsky been nominated for?

Paddy Chayefsky has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for Best American Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for his work on "Gideon." Additionally, he received nominations for Best Play at the Tony Awards for both "Gideon" and "The Tenth Man." These nominations highlight the recognition and acclaim that Chayefsky's plays have received in the Broadway community.

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