Karl David Schanzer, a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of pursuits, was born on November 25, 1932, in Hartford, Connecticut. During his college days at Los Angeles City College, he shared a living space with notable individuals James Coburn and Robert Vaughn.
After completing his education, Schanzer ventured into the world of acting, leaving an indelible mark on the industry with his portrayal of the unscrupulous lawyer Mr. Schlocker in the 1967 film Spider Baby or, The Maddest Story Ever Told. To supplement his acting income, he worked as a private detective, which later inspired Francis Ford Coppola's film The Conversation (1974).
As Schanzer's acting career drew to a close, he transitioned into various roles within the film industry. He served as a reader for Jeffrey Katzenberg at Paramount, where he discovered the potential for the successful action/comedy film 48 Hrs. (1982). Additionally, he worked as a creative executive at 20th Century Fox.
In tandem with his professional endeavors, Schanzer co-authored the book "American Screenwriters" alongside Thomas Lee Wright. Karl David Schanzer passed away at the age of 81 on May 25, 2014, in Studio City, California, leaving behind his wife Marilyn and sons Adam and Aaron.
