David Dortort, American television producer and writer (Bonanza, The High Chaparral). died he was , 93

David Dortort ^[1], was a Hollywood producer and writer, best known for his role as producer in the television series Bonanza (1959–1967) and The High Chaparral (1967–1971)  died he was , 93. Much of Dortort's energies in the late 1960s went to the newer series, therefore leaving the production of Bonanza mostly to his associates during its last five and a half years (1967–1973).
Other series produced by Dortort were The Restless Gun (1957–1959), The Cowboys television version (1974), and a prequel series featuring younger versions of the Bonanza characters called Ponderosa (2001), which was produced with Beth Sullivan. In 1979–1980, he created the 13-week CBS miniseries, The Chisholms, starring Robert Preston, Rosemary Harris, and Ben Murphy. Michael Landon appeared in a supporting role in the pilot for The Restless Gun, starring John Payne, aired on March 19, 1957, as an episode of The Schlitz Playhouse of Stars and Dan Blocker played multiple roles in The Restless Gun in the first season.

(October 23, 1916 – September 5, 2010)



Alan W. Livingston of NBC hired Dortort to write the screenplay for the pilot episode of Bonanza.^[2] He did it at night, while producing The Restless Gun by day.^[3]
In 2001, his alma mater, the alumni association of City College of New York, where he had studied history, honored him with its John H. Finley award.^[4]
A native of New York City, Dortort was married for 67 years to Rose Dortort née Seldin, who died September 30, 2007, at age 92. They had two children, Wendy Czarnecki and Fred Dortort. 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. He had a history of heart problems.^[5]

Contents [hide] 1 Writings 2 References 3 Further reading 4 External links

Writings

Dortort's two published books:

• Dortort, David (1947). Burial of the fruit. New York: Crown Publishers. http://lccn.loc.gov/49007923. Retrieved 2009-09-24. 
• Dortort, David (1949). The post of honor. New York: Whittlesey House. http://lccn.loc.gov/47000360. Retrieved 2009-09-24.

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