David Dortort (born David Solomon Katz; October 23, 1916 – September 5, 2010)[2] was a Hollywood screenwriter and producer, widely known for his role as producer in two successful NBC television series: Bonanza (1959–73) and The High Chaparral (1967–71). Dortort's focus shifted in the late 1960s to the newer series, leaving the production of Bonanza largely to his associates during its last five and a half years (1967–1973).
Alan W. Livingston of NBC hired Dortort to write the screenplay for the pilot episode of Bonanza.[4] He did it at night, while producing The Restless Gun by day.[5]
A native of New York City, Dortort was married for 67 years to the former Rose Seldin, who died September 30, 2007, at age 92. They had two children, Wendy Dortort Czarnecki and Fred Dortort.
Death
Dortort died in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles, California, on September 5, 2010, a month and a half before his 94th birthday, following a history of heart disease.[1]
Writings
Dortort published two books, Burial of the Fruit in 1947[7] and The Post of Honor in 1949.[8]
