George Axelrod

Photo of George Axelrod

Biography

After serving in the Army Signal Corps during World War II, The New York-born Axelrod found work writing scripts for radio programs, including "The Shadow," "Midnight" and "Grand Ole Opry," eventually branching into television. He said he contributed to or collaborated on more than 400 TV and radio scripts, and wrote for a number of top comedians, including Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin before earning breakout success with his 1954 stage version …
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Job Title

Actor, Director, Producer, Writer

Born

June 9, 1922

Career Milestones

Served in US Army Signal Corps during World War II

1949

TV debut as a writer for the CBS series "54th Street Revue"

1954

Screenwriting debut, from his story, "Phfft"

1955

Co-wrote (with Billy Wilder) screenplay for "The Seven Year Itch" based on his stage play

1962

Feature producing debut, "The Manchurian Candidate"

1966

Feature directorial debut, "Lord Love a Duck"

Awards

1961

Academy Award for Writing (Screenplay--Based On Material From Another Medium) in Breakfast At Tiffany's