| Birth name | David Solomon Katz[1] |
|---|---|
| Birth date | October 23, 1916 |
| Birth place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Death date | September 5, 2010 (aged 93) |
| Death place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Writer; Television producer |
| Years active | 1957–2001 |
| Spouse | Rose Seldin (m. 1940; ended 2007) |
| Alma mater | City College of New York, 1936 |
David Dortort (/ˈdɔːrtɔːr/ DOR-tor;[2] born David Solomon Katz; October 23, 1916 – September 5, 2010)[3] 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).
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.[4]
Alan W. Livingston of NBC hired Dortort to write the screenplay for the pilot episode of Bonanza.[5] He did it at night, while producing The Restless Gun by day.[6]
In 2001, the alumni association of City College of New York, where he had studied history, honored him with its John H. Finley award.[7]
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 Dortort Czarnecki and Fred Dortort.
Death
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.[1]
Writings
Dortort published two books, Burial of the Fruit in 1947[8] and The Post of Honor in 1949.[9]
Filmography
Films
| Year | Film | Credit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 | The Lusty Men | Screenplay By | Based on the novel "King of the Cowpokes" by "Claude Stanush" |
| 1956 | A Cry in the Night | Screenplay By | Based on the novel "All Through the Night" by "Whit Masterson" |
| Reprisal! | Screenplay By | ||
| 1957 | The Big Land | Screenplay By | Based on the novel "Buffalo Grass" by "Frank Gruber" |
| 1958 | A Gift for Heidi | Screenplay By | |
| 1987 | Going Bananas | Executive Producer | |
| 1988 | Bonanza: The Next Generation | Produced By | Television Movie |
| 1993 | Bonanza: The Return | Story By, Executive Producer | Television Movie |
| 1995 | Bonanza: Under Attack | Executive Producer | Television Movie |
Television
| Year | TV Series | Credit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Cavalcade of America | Writer | 2 episodes |
| 1952–54 | Fireside Theatre | Writer | 5 episodes |
| 1953 | Racket Squad | Writer | 1 Episode |
| 1954 | Climax! | Writer | 1 episode |
| 1954–55 | Public Defender | Writer | 3 episodes |
| Waterfront | Writer | 8 episodes | |
| 1955 | TV Reader's Digest | Writer | 1 Episode |
| The 20th Century Fox Hour | Writer | 1 Episode | |
| 1956 | Screen Directors Playhouse | Writer | 1 Episode |
| Lassie | Writer | 1 Episode | |
| 1956–57 | Studio 57 | Writer | 2 episodes |
| 1957 | Panic! | Writer | 1 Episode |
| 1957–59 | The Restless Gun | Writer, producer | 77 episodes |
| 1959–73 | Bonanza | Writer, Creator, Producer, Executive Producer | Multiple Episodes |
| 1967–71 | The High Chaparral | Writer, Creator, Producer, Executive Producer | Multiple Episodes |
| 1974 | The Cowboys | Producer | |
| 1979–80 | The Chisholms | Writer, Creator, Executive Producer | 14 episodes |
| 2001–02 | Ponderosa | Producer |
References
- ^ Weber, Bruce (September 9, 2010). "David Dortort, 'Bonanza' Creator, Dies at 93". New York Times. p. A28. Retrieved 2010-09-22.
- ^ "David Dortort Interview Part 1 of 7 - TelevisionAcademy.com/Interviews". YouTube. April 13, 2010. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
- ^ Woo, Elaine (September 8, 2010). "David Dortort dies at 93; created and produced TV western 'Bonanza'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-09-22.
- ^ "Dan Blocker - IMDb". IMDb. n.p. n.d. Retrieved 2 October 2016.
- ^ Weber, Bruce (March 16, 2009). "Alan W. Livingston, Talent Spotter Who Signed Beatles, Dies at 91". New York Times. p. A25.
- ^ King, Susan (September 19, 2009). "Autry National Center salutes 'Bonanza' Sunday". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 21, 2009.
- ^ Arenson, Karen W. (October 3, 2001). "BULLETIN BOARD; City College Alumni Group Will Bestow Honors". New York Times. p. A19. Retrieved September 24, 2009.
- ^ Dortort, David (1947). Burial of the Fruit. New York: Crown Publishers. LCCN 47000360.
- ^ Dortort, David (1949). The Post of Honor. New York: Whittlesey House. LCCN 49007923.
External links
- David Dortort at IMDb