Was signed by Universal executive Carl Laemmle Jr on the strength of his first novel, "Bodies are Dust". In the 1940's, was one of the most highly-paid screenwriters at Paramount.
Son of Russian immigrants.
He liked to paint and was also an outdoors man who enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Served in the U.S Coast Guard Reserve and was a member of the Authors Guild, Screen Writers Guild, and the Beverly Hills Tennis Club.