George W. George facts for kids

George Warren George (born Goldberg; February 8, 1920 – November 7, 2007) was an American film producer, Broadway producer, and screenwriter. He helped create many popular movies and plays. Some of his famous works include the film My Dinner With Andre and several successful Broadway shows.

Early Life and Name Change

George Warren Goldberg was born in Manhattan, New York, on February 8, 1920. His father was the famous cartoonist Rube Goldberg. His mother was Irma Seeman. George went to Williams College for his education.

During World War II, George's father, Rube, received unkind messages because of his political cartoons. To keep his sons safe from this unfair treatment, Rube asked George and his brother Thomas to change their last names. Thomas chose the name "George," and George decided to use the same name. He wanted to keep a strong family connection with his brother. So, George Warren Goldberg became George W. George.

A Career in Entertainment

George W. George started his career in the 1950s. He worked as a screenwriter for television shows and films. He wrote for popular TV series like Peter Gunn, Gunsmoke, and The Rifleman. He also wrote for Combat! with his wife, Judith.

George then began producing films. His first film was the 1957 documentary The James Dean Story. Later, he produced Rich Kids in 1979, which his wife wrote. He also produced Night Watch in 1973, starring Elizabeth Taylor.

His most famous film was My Dinner With Andre, released in 1981. George co-produced this movie. It starred Andre Gregory and Wallace Shawn. At first, not many people were excited about it. But soon, critics loved it, and it earned a lot of money for a small, independent film.

George also had a very successful career on Broadway. In 1964, he produced Dylan, which starred Alec Guinness. He then had another hit with Any Wednesday. This comedy ran for over two years and later became a movie. Other successful plays he produced include Bedroom Farce and Ben Franklin in Paris.

Not every show was a hit, though. Some of his Broadway productions, like Happily Never After and Via Galactica, did not run for very long. His last Broadway project was the idea for the musical Memphis. This show opened in 2009, a few years after he passed away.

George had one daughter, Jennifer, who was born in 1959. Jennifer now helps lead Rube Goldberg, Inc. This organization runs the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest. This contest is based on his father's famous "invention" cartoons.

Later Life and Death

George W. George passed away on November 7, 2007, in Manhattan. He was 87 years old and had Parkinson's disease.