Arguably the most influential writer to emerge from the 'Golden Age of Television', Bronx-born Paddy Chayefsky demonstrated an informed respect for common people and their everyday problems in a "social realism" (a.k.a. "kitchen dramas" or "clothesline drams") that proved ideal for the new medium. The best example of the genre, "Marty", aired live on NBC's "Goodyear TV Playhouse", May 24, 1953, and made the writer an overnight star. Other acclaimed teleplays followed, including "The Bachelor Party", "The Catered Affair" and "Middle of the Night", all bearing the distinctive stamp of his
Attempted to break into show business as a stand-up comic
Served in US Army Infantry; awarded the Purple Heart
Wrote first play, the musical "No T.O. for Love", while convalescing in England from injuries incurred from German land mine in WWII; show was performed for GIs throughout Europe and in London's West End
1945
Uncredited feature film debut as co-commentary writer for the award-winning documentary "The True Glory"
Wrote short stories, documentary films and radio scripts for "Theatre Guild of the Air"
