Cornell Woolrich
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About
An American novelist and short story writer whose crime fiction inspired numerous film noir screenplays, he sometimes published under the pen names of George Hopley and William Irish. His numerous works include Phantom Lady (1942), Hotel Room (1958), and Savage Bride (1950).
Before Fame
He briefly studied at Columbia University, dropping out when his debut novel, Cover Charge, was published. He subsequently worked as a screenwriter in Los Angeles.
Trivia
He suffered from alcoholism and died weighing only 89 pounds.
Family Life
A closeted homosexual, he was briefly married to Violet Virginia Blackton (the marriage was annulled after several months).
Associated With
His 1940 novel, The Bride Wore Black, was made into a film by Francois Truffaut.
