| Full Name David Katz Role Screenwriter | Name David Dortort Years active 1957–2001 | |
 | ||
| Born October 23, 1916 (1916-10-23) New York City Alma mater City College of New York, 1936 Occupation Writer; Television producer Died September 5, 2010, Los Angeles, California, United States Spouse Rose Seldin (m. 1940–2007) Children Wendy D. Czarnecki, Fred Dortort Movies and TV shows Bonanza, The High Chaparral, The Lusty Men, The Chisholms Similar People Dan Blocker, Pernell Roberts, Lorne Greene, Henry Darrow, Victor Sen Yung | ||
Education City College of New York | ||
The Writer Speaks: David Dortort – Part 1
David Dortort (October 23, 1916 – September 5, 2010), was a Hollywood screenwriter and producer, widely known for his role as producer in two successful NBC television series: Bonanza (1959–73) and The High Chaparral (1967–71). 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).
Contents
- The Writer Speaks David Dortort Part 1
- 1999 archival interview with bonanza producer david dortort
- Personal life
- Death
- Writings
- References
From 1954-55, Dortort was involved in directing and writing for The Public Defender. He produced The Restless Gun (1957–59), 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 CBS 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 five episodes of The Restless Gun.
Alan W. Livingston of NBC 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.
1999 archival interview with bonanza producer david dortort
Personal life
A native of New York City, Dortort was married for 67 years to the former Rose Seldin, who died September 30, 2007, at age 92. They had two children, Wendy (Mrs. Czarnecki), and Fred.
Death
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.
Writings
Dortort's two published books: