Herman J. Mankiewicz.

Born 7 Nov 1897 New York City, United States

Died 5 Mar 1953 Hollywood, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 128 yr If Living

9 min read

Reading time

1,691

Words

Aug 8, 2026

Published

Award

TL;DR

Herman J. Mankiewicz co-wrote Citizen Kane 1941 with Orson Welles, earning the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. He was once Hollywood’s highest-paid screenwriter and head of Paramount’s writing department, but his career declined due to alcoholism. He also produced Marx Brothers classics and earned another Oscar nomination for The Pride of the Yankees 1942.

Identity & family.

KIN · 4

Names, aliases, and relatives of Herman J. Mankiewicz — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Nicknames Mank, Manky

Aliases Herman Mankiewicz

Spouses: Sara Shulamith Aaronson
Children: Don Mankiewicz Frank Mankiewicz
Siblings: Joseph L. Mankiewicz

At a glance.

STATS

Herman J. Mankiewicz by the numbers — life, work, and family.

55 Years lived

1 Award

1 Marriage

2 Children

Who was Herman J. Mankiewicz?

BIOGRAPHY

Herman J. Mankiewicz — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

In 1913, the Mankiewicz family returned to New York from Wilkes-Barre. Herman Mankiewicz, born on November 7, 1897 in New York City to German Jewish emigrants Franz and Johanna, studied philosophy at Columbia University and edited the American Jewish Chronicle before serving in the Marine Corps during World War I.

After the war, he worked for the Chicago Tribune in Berlin, covering German politics, and served as publicist for dancer Isadora Duncan. He then returned to New York, writing for the New York World, New York Times, and New Yorker as a drama critic, developing a reputation for sharp wit and satire.

Career

Mankiewicz moved to Hollywood in 1926, writing intertitles for Josef von Sternberg’s The Last Command 1928. Paramount made him head of their scenario department, where he hired former newspapermen like Ben Hecht. When sound arrived, he became the highest-paid screenwriter in Hollywood, crafting sharp dialogue for the new talkies. He produced three Marx Brothers films: Monkey Business 1931, Horse Feathers 1932, and Duck Soup 1933.

His collaboration with Orson Welles on Citizen Kane 1941 won him and Welles an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. He earned another Oscar nomination for The Pride of the Yankees 1942, about Lou Gehrig. But his alcoholism and cynicism, including a hatred of Hollywood, led to a career decline; by the late 1930s, he had lost his high position. He died in Hollywood in 1953.

Personal life

Mankiewicz married Sara Shulamith Aaronson on July 1, 1920. They had three children: Don Mankiewicz, Frank Mankiewicz, and Johanna Mankiewicz Davis. His younger brother, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, became a writer-director who won four Oscars. His hard-drinking lifestyle and gambling often strained his relationships and professional reputation.

Legacy

Citizen Kane consistently ranks among the greatest films ever made, and Mankiewicz’s screenplay is a major reason for its acclaim. His Oscar statuette sold for $588,455 at auction in 2012. Mankiewicz was portrayed by John Malkovich in RKO 281 1999 and by Gary Oldman in David Fincher’s Mank 2020. His brilliant but flawed writing shaped Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 1

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Herman J. Mankiewicz — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Academy Award for Best Writing, Original Screenplay

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 3

A wall of memorable lines from Herman J. Mankiewicz — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

In a Novel the Hero Can Lay Ten Girls and Marry a Virgin for the Finish. in a Movie This Is Not Allowed. the Villain Can Lay Anybody He Wants, Have as Much Fun as He Wants Cheating and Stealing, Getting Rich and Whipping the Servants. but You Have to Shoot Him in the End. When He Falls with a Bullet in His Forehead, It Is Advisable That He Clutch at the Gobelin Tapestry on the Wall and Bring It Down Over His Head Like a Symbolic Shroud. Also, Covered by Such a Tapestry, the Actor Does Not Have to to Hold His Breath While Being Photographed as a Dead Man.
Barbara Stanwyck Is My Favorite. My God, I Could Just Sit and Dream of Being Married to Her, Having a Little Cottage Out in the Hills, Vines Around the Door. I’d Come Home from the Office Tired and Weary, and I’d Be Met by Barbara, Walking Through the Door Holding an Apple Pie She Had Cooked Herself. and Wearing No Drawers.
I Don’t Know How It Is That You Start Working at Something You Don’t Like, and Before You Know It You’re an Old Man.

Did you know?

FACTS · 12

Little-known facts about Herman J. Mankiewicz — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

While recovering from a broken leg, Mankiewicz dictated the script for Citizen Kane from his bedside.
Mankiewicz’s journalistic background allowed him to know William Randolph Hearst; the creation of the titular character of Citizen Kane 1941 is credited to him rather than Orson Welles. The word Rosebud was inspired by a bicycle stolen from him as a child in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Under contract at Paramount 1926-32, MGM 1933-40, and RKO 1940, 1944-48, he was often at odds with studios. When Warner Brothers assigned him to a Rin Tin Tin picture as punishment, he wrote a script with the dog carrying a baby into a burning house.
Mankiewicz’s Oscar statuette sold for $588,455 at auction by Nate D. Sanders Memorabilia on February 28, 2012.
He served as uncredited producer on three Marx Brothers films: Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, and Duck Soup. Another script for the Marx Brothers, by his brother Joseph, was rejected and later cast with Jack Oakie and W.C. Fields.
Brother of writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz and Erna Mankiewicz.
As one of The New Yorker magazine’s first theater critics, he left the magazine—like many colleagues—to write for Hollywood.
Grandfather of Timothy, Jesse, Antonia, and Nick Davis Johanna’s children; John Mankiewicz Don’s son; and Ben Mankiewicz and Josh Mankiewicz Frank’s sons.
Portrayed by John Malkovich in RKO 281 1999 and Gary Oldman in Mank 2020.
Father of Don Mankiewicz, Frank Mankiewicz, and the late novelist Johanna Mankiewicz Davis.
Uncle of Tom Mankiewicz, Christopher Mankiewicz, and Alexandra.
Distantly related to Zev Chafets; Chafets’ cousin Joseph Stenbuck was married to Mankiewicz’s sister Erna.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 30

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Herman J. Mankiewicz.

When was Herman J. Mankiewicz born?

Herman J. Mankiewicz was born on November 7, 1897 in New York City. He was the son of German Jewish immigrants and later became a screenwriter.
Where was Herman J. Mankiewicz born?

He was born in New York City, New York, USA. His family moved to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, before returning to New York in 1913.
When did Herman J. Mankiewicz die?

Herman J. Mankiewicz died on March 5, 1953 at the age of 55. He passed away in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.
How old was Herman J. Mankiewicz when he died?

He was 55 years old at the time of his death. He died from uremic poisoning.
Where did Herman J. Mankiewicz die?

He died in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. He had long expressed a hatred for the place.
How did Herman J. Mankiewicz die?

The cause of death was uremic poisoning, a condition resulting from kidney failure. He died in Hollywood on March 5, 1953.
What was Herman J. Mankiewicz's occupation?

He was a writer, producer, and actor. He is best known for his screenwriting work, including Citizen Kane.
What nationality was Herman J. Mankiewicz?

He was an American citizen. He was born in the United States and spent most of his career in Hollywood.
Who was Herman J. Mankiewicz married to?

He was married to Sara Shulamith Aaronson from July 1, 1920 until his death in 1953. They had three children together.
Did Herman J. Mankiewicz have children?

Yes, he had three children: Don Mankiewicz, Frank Mankiewicz, and Johanna Mankiewicz Davis. Two of his sons became writers.
Did Herman J. Mankiewicz have any siblings?

Yes, he had a younger brother, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, who won four Oscars as a writer-director. He also had a sister, Erna Mankiewicz.
Where did Herman J. Mankiewicz go to school?

He studied at Columbia University, where he earned a degree in philosophy. Before that, he attended schools in New York and Wilkes-Barre.
What awards did Herman J. Mankiewicz win?

He won the Academy Award for Best Writing, Original Screenplay for Citizen Kane 1941 alongside Orson Welles. He also received a nomination for The Pride of the Yankees 1942.
How many major awards did Herman J. Mankiewicz win?

He won one major award: the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. He also earned one additional Oscar nomination.
What is Herman J. Mankiewicz best known for?

He is best known for co-writing Citizen Kane 1941 with Orson Welles. He also produced Marx Brothers films and wrote The Pride of the Yankees.
How tall was Herman J. Mankiewicz?

He stood 5 feet 10 inches 1.78 meters tall.
What were Herman J. Mankiewicz's nicknames?

He was often called Mank or Manky by friends and colleagues.
Why is Herman Mankiewicz sometimes credited as Herman Mankiewicz?

He occasionally used the professional name Herman Mankiewicz rather than his full name Herman J. Mankiewicz. This shortened form appears primarily in early film credits.
What was Herman J. Mankiewicz's birth name?

His full birth name was Herman Jacob Mankiewicz. He was named after his grandfather.
How many award nominations did Herman J. Mankiewicz receive?

He received two Academy Award nominations: one win for Citizen Kane 1941 and another nomination for The Pride of the Yankees 1942.
Who were Herman J. Mankiewicz's relatives?

His grandchildren include Ben Mankiewicz and Josh Mankiewicz TV personalities, and John Mankiewicz writer. His nephews include Tom Mankiewicz screenwriter and Christopher Mankiewicz.
What inspired the 'Rosebud' in Citizen Kane?

The word Rosebud came from a bicycle that was stolen from him when he was a child living in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He used the memory as the key to Charles Foster Kane’s character.
Which Marx Brothers films did Herman J. Mankiewicz produce?

He produced three Marx Brothers films: Monkey Business 1931, Horse Feathers 1932, and Duck Soup 1933. He served without credit.
What was Mankiewicz's role at Paramount?

He was head of Paramount’s scenario department in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He hired talented writers like Ben Hecht and helped shape early talkies.
What was the name of Mankiewicz's brother?

His younger brother was Joseph L. Mankiewicz, a writer-director-producer who won four Oscars. Joseph wrote and directed All About Eve 1950.
What was Herman J. Mankiewicz's first Broadway play?

He wrote the comedy The Good Fellow, which opened in 1926 but closed after only seven performances. His next play, The Wild Man of Borneo 1927 co-written with Marc Connelly, ran 15 performances.
What did Herman J. Mankiewicz do before coming to Hollywood?

He worked as a journalist and drama critic for the Chicago Tribune, New York World, New York Times, and The New Yorker. He also served as publicist for dancer Isadora Duncan.
How is Herman J. Mankiewicz depicted in films?

He was portrayed by John Malkovich in the TV film RKO 281 1999 and by Gary Oldman in David Fincher’s Mank 2020. Both films focus on the writing of Citizen Kane.
What is Herman J. Mankiewicz's legacy in film?

His screenplay for Citizen Kane is considered one of the greatest ever written. The film consistently tops critics’ polls, and Mankiewicz remains known as a brilliant but troubled figure in Hollywood history.
Why was Mankiewicz known as a cynic?

He despised Hollywood and often expressed contempt for the movie industry. His cynicism, along with alcoholism, damaged his career after a brilliant start.

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Audited & updated by

Emma has 8 years of editorial experience and a very clear idea of what a good biography looks like. At Famousy, she runs the editorial operation and decides what meets the bar and what doesn't. She's the kind of editor who remembers the profiles she pushed back on more clearly than the ones she approved. That's not a complaint. That's exactly why the site reads the way it does.

Published on August 8, 2026

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