About

Dalton Trumbo, born on December 9, 1905, was a highly influential and Academy Award-winning screenwriter. He is best remembered as a prominent member of the Hollywood Ten, a group of directors and screenwriters who bravely refused to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in 1947 during the Red Scare. This act of defiance led to his blacklisting, a dark chapter in Hollywood history where many talented individuals were denied work due to their perceived political affiliations.

Before Fame

Trumbo's passion for writing ignited early in life. While still in high school, he gained valuable experience as a cub reporter. His interest in journalism and storytelling continued into his college years, solidifying his decision to pursue a career as a writer.

Career Highlights

Despite the challenges of being blacklisted, Trumbo continued to write, often using pseudonyms to circumvent the restrictions imposed upon him. His talent shone through, and he secretly penned some of Hollywood's most iconic films. He is credited with writing the screenplays for such classics as Roman Holiday, Spartacus, and Exodus. His work on these films, even under aliases, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest screenwriters of his time. His contributions were eventually recognized, and he received posthumous credit for some of his earlier work.

Trivia

• During World War II, Trumbo was one of the highest-paid screenwriters in Hollywood.
• He won Oscars while officially blacklisted, using pseudonyms.
• Bryan Cranston portrayed Trumbo in the 2015 biographical film Trumbo, which brought renewed attention to his life and career.

Family Life

Dalton Trumbo spent his childhood in Grand Junction, Colorado, with his two sisters. He later married Cleo Beth Fincher, and together they had three children: Christopher, Mitzi, and Nikola.