Ringgold Wilmer "Ring" Lardner Jr., a notable American journalist and screenwriter, entered this world on August 19, 1915, marking the beginning of a life that would be filled with both triumph and tribulation.
He would go on to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry, penning scripts for various films and television shows. However, his career was not without its challenges, as he was one of the many individuals who were blacklisted by the Hollywood movie studios during the Red Scare of the late 1940s and 1950s.
Despite the obstacles he faced, Lardner Jr. persevered and continued to work in the industry, albeit under different circumstances. His life came to a close on October 31, 2000, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for generations to come.
Noted American screenwriter and Academy Award winner Ring Lardner Jr. embarked upon his illustrious Hollywood career by initially serving as a publicist and "script doctor", honing his craft before transitioning to write his own original material. His early achievements were marked by a prestigious Academy Award for Writing Original Screenplay in 1942, bestowed upon him for his work on the film Woman of the Year.
Lardner's impressive repertoire of notable film scripts also includes Laura, released in 1944, Brotherhood of Man, which premiered in 1946, Forever Amber, a 1947 production, and the iconic M*A*S*H, which debuted in 1970. Notably, the script for M*A*S*H earned him a second Academy Award, this time for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Ring Lardner Jr. was a stalwart advocate for left-wing ideologies and actively participated in various political endeavors, including spearheading fundraising efforts in support of the Republican cause during the tumultuous Spanish Civil War. His brother, James Lardner, was a devoted member of the esteemed Abraham Lincoln Brigade, sacrificing his life in the line of duty during the conflict in 1938.
In contrast to his political pursuits, Lardner maintained a thriving career in the Hollywood film industry, ultimately achieving a prestigious status as one of the most highly compensated scriptwriters of his time. In 1947, he solidified his position within the industry by signing a lucrative contract with 20th Century Fox, earning a substantial weekly salary of $2,000.
