Joseph Michael Schenck (1876–1961) was a Russian-born American film executive who helped shape Hollywood’s early industry, establishing major studios and launching legendary actors.
Born in Rybinsk, Russia, he emigrated to the U.S. (1892.) With his brother Nicholas Schenck, he entered entertainment, first in amusement park concessions, then film.
In 1917, he co-founded the Norma Talmadge Film Corporation, managing his wife, actress Norma Talmadge. He became United Artists’ second president (1925,) overseeing expansion. In 1933, he partnered with Darryl F. Zanuck to form Twentieth Century Pictures, which merged with Fox Film (1935) to create 20th Century Fox, where he served as chairman.
Schenck helped launch Marilyn Monroe’s career and co-founded the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He received a special Academy Award (1952) for his industry impact. Legal troubles led to a prison sentence for tax evasion before a presidential pardon from Harry Truman (1945.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Joseph M. Schenck
If four or five guys tell you that you’re drunk, even though you know you haven’t had a thing to drink, the least you can do is to lie down a little while.
—Joseph M. Schenck
Topics: Drinking, Alcohol
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