John Thorne was born in the vibrant city of Manhattan, but his formative years were spent in the Bronx, New York. After completing his undergraduate degree in English at the City College of New York (CCNY),Thorne embarked on a career in journalism, working as a reporter and editor for various newspapers in Pennsylvania.
Upon returning to New York, a dear friend suggested a spontaneous road trip to California, but unfortunately, she was unable to join him at the appointed time. Undeterred, Thorne's two male friends enthusiastically piled into his trusty 10-year-old car, and together they embarked on an adventure of a lifetime.
After several years in publicity, working with a diverse range of entertainment industry clients and major corporations, Thorne made a successful transition into television writing. With a keen eye for storytelling, he wrote for numerous hour-long dramas, exploring a wide range of genres, including science fiction, mystery, detective drama, medical drama, soap opera, animal-based dramas, fantasy, and legal drama.
Thorne's impressive career also saw him take on the role of executive script consultant for several series, a position equivalent to supervising producer today. In addition, he taught screenwriting on a part-time basis at Columbia College, Los Angeles, for four years.
Thorne's commitment to the television industry extended beyond his work as a writer and consultant. He was elected to two consecutive two-year terms as a Governor of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the esteemed organization responsible for presenting the Emmy Awards. A dedicated member of the Writers Guild of America, west, Thorne has held various leadership positions, including chairman of several committees, during times of organizational and supervisory need.
Thorne's passion for social and political activism is equally impressive. He has been a vocal advocate for numerous causes, including serving as supervising press relations for the California Democratic Council and as Vice-Chairman of Citizens for the Impeachment of Richard Nixon. In 1989, he organized Writers United, a coalition of prominent writers who rallied in support of Salman Rushdie, whose life was threatened by a fatwa issued by an ayatollah.
In 2011, Thorne was awarded a Master of Arts degree in English Literature, with Honors, by California State University, Northridge, a testament to his enduring love of learning and intellectual pursuits.
