David Ossman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Ossman
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Ossman in 2012
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| Born | December 6, 1936 Santa Monica, California, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Pomona College Columbia University |
| Occupation | Writer, comedian |
| Children | 2 |
David Ossman (born December 6, 1936, in Santa Monica) is an American writer and comedian. He is well-known for being a member of the Firesign Theatre. He also wrote screenplays for movies like Zachariah.
Contents
Early Life and Education
David Ossman grew up in Santa Monica, California. He was born in 1936. For college, he first went to Pomona College. There, he acted in plays such as The Crucible. Later, he transferred to Columbia University to continue his studies.
Career Highlights
David Ossman has had a long and interesting career. He is famous for his work in comedy and writing.
The Firesign Theatre Years
Ossman was a key member of a comedy group called the Firesign Theatre. This group was known for its unique and funny audio plays. Some of his famous characters include George Leroy ("Peorgie") Tirebiter from Don't Crush That Dwarf, Hand Me the Pliers. He also played Catherwood in the "Nick Danger" series.
Solo Work and Radio
In 1973, David Ossman released his own solo album called How Time Flys. Later, in the 1980s, he spent time working on programs for National Public Radio (NPR). He helped create many interesting shows for listeners.
Otherworld Media Productions
In the 1990s, Ossman and his wife, Judith Walcutt, started a company called Otherworld Media. They created audio theatre shows, which are like plays you listen to. They made shows for children and also big productions for NPR. These included Empire of the Air and an adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
More recently, Otherworld Media has produced shows like A Thousand Clowns and Through the Looking Glass. These shows are often performed at Whidbey Children's Theater on Whidbey Island. This is a place where young people can learn about and perform in plays.
Otherworld Media has also adapted screenplays into live radio plays. They performed these at the International Mystery Writers Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky. Ossman himself wrote and directed some of these adaptations.
Writing Books
David Ossman is also a published author. He has written mystery novels, including The Ronald Reagan Murder Case: A George Tirebiter Mystery (2007). He also wrote a second mystery novel in the same series, The Flying Saucer Murder Case: A George Tirebiter Mystery, which was published in 2024.
In 2008, he wrote a book about his own life and career called Dr. Firesign's Follies: Radio, Comedy, Mystery, History. He also wrote a book of poetry titled Fools & Death in 2009. His audio book, Old Cart Wrangler's Saga, was recognized as a finalist for an Audie Award in 2019.
Plays and Stage Works
Some of the Firesign Theatre's works have been turned into stage plays. These include Don't Crush That Dwarf, Hand Me the Pliers and The Further Adventures of Nick Danger, Third Eye. These plays are published by Broadway Play Publishing Inc..
Personal Life
David Ossman lives on Whidbey Island with his wife. He has a daughter named Alizon.
Creative Works
David Ossman has worked on many different projects. He has been an actor, writer, producer, director, and editor.
As an Actor
- Martian Space Party (1972, Short film)
- Everything You Know Is Wrong (1975, Album) – Various voices
- Below the Belt (1980) (voice)
- The Tick (1996, TV Series) – Professor Peelie (voice)
- A Bug's Life (1998) – Cornelius (voice)
- Nowheresville (2000) – Earl Apple
- Osmosis Jones (2001) – Scabies (voice, uncredited)
- Firesign Theatre: Weirdly Cool (2001, TV Movie)
- Five Grand (2016) – Abner Wilhelm
As a Writer
- Zachariah (1971)
- Martian Space Party (1972)
- Everything You Know Is Wrong (1975)
- Firesign Theatre: Weirdly Cool (2001) (TV)
- The Ronald Reagan Murder Case: A George Tirebiter Mystery (2007)
- Fools & Death (2009)
- Fighting Clowns of Hollywood: With Laffs by the Firesign Theatre (2018)
- The Flying Saucer Murder Case: A George Tirebiter Mystery (2024)
As a Producer
- Martian Space Party (1972)
- Everything You Know Is Wrong (1975)
As a Director
- Everything You Know Is Wrong (1975)
- Through the Looking Glass (2006)
- Seven Keys to Baldpate (2007)
As an Editor
- Martian Space Party (1972)
Discography
- How Time Flys (1973)
See also
In Spanish: David Ossman para niños
