Background
Dortort, David was born on October 23, 1916 in Brooklyn. Son of Benjamin and Clara (Horowitz) Katz-Dortort.
screenwriter television producer
Dortort, David was born on October 23, 1916 in Brooklyn. Son of Benjamin and Clara (Horowitz) Katz-Dortort.
B. Social Science, City College of New York, 1936. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Columbia College, Hollywood, 1999.
Dortort"s focus shifted in the late 1960s to the newer series, leaving the production of Bonanza largely to his associates during its last five and a half years (1967–1973). From 1954-1955, Dortort was involved in directing and writing for The Public Defender. He produced "The Restless Gun" (1957-1959), The Cowboys television version (1974), and a prequel series featuring younger versions of the Bonanza characters called Ponderosa (2001), which was produced with Beth Sullivan.
In 1979–1980, he created the 13-week Columbia Broadcasting System miniseries, The Chisholms.
Michael Landon appeared in a supporting role in the pilot for The Restless Gun, starring John Payne, aired on March 19, 1957, as an episode of The Schlitz Playhouse of Stars and Dan Blocker played multiple roles in The Restless Gun in the first season. Alan West. Livingston of National Broadcasting Company hired Dortort to write the screenplay for the pilot episode of Bonanza.
He did it at night, while producing The Restless Gun by day. In 2001, the alumni association of City College of New York, where he had studied history, honored him with its John H. Finley award.
David Dortort died in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles, California, on September 5, 2010, a month and a half before his 94th birthday, following a history of heart disease.
Board member Permanent Charities Commission Entertainment Industry, Hollywood, California, 1975-1991, campaign chairman, 1980-1981. Board directors National Foundation Jewish Culture, 1997. Sergeant United States Army, 1943-1946.
Member Writers Guild American (president 1954-1957), Producers Guild America (president 1967-1969, 78-80, Producer of Year 1969), Caucus of Producers, Writers, Directors (chairman 1975-1978, member steering committee 1974-1981), California State University System (chancellor's Associates 1976-1982), Jewish Federation Council (community relations committee 1974-1981), President Circle Los Angeles County Museum Art, Rose and David Dortort Writer's Institute, Performing Arts Council of University of Judaism (board directors 1994-2001, endowed construction Dortort Theater 1996), American Film Institute, Western Writers America.
Married Rose Gertrude Seldin, September 1, 1940 (deceased September 30, 2007). Children: Wendy Elizabeth Reed, Frederic Roger.