W. R. Burnett

Novelist

Birthday November 25, 1899

Birth Sign Sagittarius

Birthplace Ohio

DEATH DATE Apr 24, 1982 (82)

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About

An American fiction writer and screenwriter, he is best known for his 1929 crime novel, Little Caesar, which was made into a classic gangster film. His other works include Dark Hazard (novel) and Wake Island (film).

Before Fame

He moved to Chicago in his twenties and worked for a time at a seedy hotel. The experience inspired many of his early novels and screenplays.

Trivia

He won the 1930 O. Henry Award for his short story, "Dressing-Up."

Family Life

He grew up in Springfield, Ohio, and later married Patricia Weaver Burnett.

Associated With

While in Hollywood, he worked with Nicholas Ray.