Television Screenwriter, Television Producer. He was best known for creating the popular TV Western series "Bonanza" (1959 to 1973) and "The High Chaparral" (1967 to 1971). Born David Solomon Katz in Brooklyn, New York, he attended City College of New York, where he received his Bachelor's Degree, and would later work at WNYC Radio, while also writing stories for magazines. After service in the U.S. military during World War II (WWII), he penned the novel "Burial of the Fruit" (1947), and followed it with "The Post of Honor" (1949), launching his Hollywood career during the early 1950s, writing stories for the motion pictures "The Lusty Men" (1952), "A Cry in the Night" (1956), "The Big Land" (1957), and the TV programs "Waterfront" and "Studio 57." Dortort developed the concept for "Bonanza" in 1958, enabling it to become one of the most watched shows in U.S. TV history, as it topped the ratings between 1964 and 1967. In addition to writing, Dortort served as producer of the John Payne TV series "The Restless Gun" (1957 to 1959), and was executive producer of "The High Chaparral" (1967 to 1971).
Television Screenwriter, Television Producer. He was best known for creating the popular TV Western series "Bonanza" (1959 to 1973) and "The High Chaparral" (1967 to 1971). Born David Solomon Katz in Brooklyn, New York, he attended City College of New York, where he received his Bachelor's Degree, and would later work at WNYC Radio, while also writing stories for magazines. After service in the U.S. military during World War II (WWII), he penned the novel "Burial of the Fruit" (1947), and followed it with "The Post of Honor" (1949), launching his Hollywood career during the early 1950s, writing stories for the motion pictures "The Lusty Men" (1952), "A Cry in the Night" (1956), "The Big Land" (1957), and the TV programs "Waterfront" and "Studio 57." Dortort developed the concept for "Bonanza" in 1958, enabling it to become one of the most watched shows in U.S. TV history, as it topped the ratings between 1964 and 1967. In addition to writing, Dortort served as producer of the John Payne TV series "The Restless Gun" (1957 to 1959), and was executive producer of "The High Chaparral" (1967 to 1971).
Bio by: C.S.
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David Dortort
October 23, 1916 - September 5, 2010
Adored Husband
Beloved Father
Novelist, Screenwriter, Producer
Champion of Family Values and Social Justice
He Gave The World "Bonanza"
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For 93 Years The Smartest Kid On The Block
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