Who Is Dalton Trumbo? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Dalton Trumbo was born on December 9, 1905, and passed away on September 10, 1976. He was an influential American screenwriter best known for his work during Hollywood's Golden Age. Trumbo was a member of the Hollywood Ten, a group of screenwriters and directors who were blacklisted for their refusal to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Throughout his career, he penned numerous screenplays for films such as "Roman Holiday," "Spartacus," and "Exodus," showcasing both his talent and commitment to social issues.
As of 2025, Trumbo would have been 119 years old, had he lived. Despite his passing, his contributions to cinema and society continue to resonate with audiences and filmmakers alike.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1905 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | Montrose, Colorado, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 September, 1976 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Dalton Trumbo's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements of Dalton Trumbo's body stats are not widely documented, he was known to have a robust and commanding presence. It’s essential to focus on his intellectual stature rather than physical attributes, which contributed to his unforgettable legacy in the film industry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dalton Trumbo married Cleo D. Trumbo in 1935, and they had three children: Chris, Nikola, and Mitzi. His family was central to his life, providing him with love and support during the tumultuous times of the Hollywood blacklist. Trumbo's relationship with Cleo was a testament to his commitment to family values, often inspiring his character portrayals in his scripts.
In terms of his personal life, Dalton's romantic endeavors outside his marriage are not publicly documented, emphasizing his dedication to his craft and family rather than his social standings.
In 1924, Orus Trumbo relocated the family to California. Shortly after, he fell ill and died, leaving Dalton to support his mother and siblings.
For nine years after his father died, Trumbo worked the night shift wrapping bread at a Los Angeles bakery and attended the University of California, Los Angeles (1926) and the University of Southern California (1928–1930). During this time, he wrote movie reviews, 88 short stories, and six novels, all of which were rejected for publication.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Dalton Trumbo's net worth was estimated to be around $500,000, which translates to approximately $2.5 million when adjusted for inflation in 2025. His earnings primarily stemmed from his successful screenwriting career, along with royalties from countless films based on his original screenplays. Even decades after his passing, members of his estate continue to benefit from the ongoing interest in his work.
Career, Business, and Investments
Trumbo’s career is a remarkable tale of talent overshadowed by political struggle. He wrote prolifically in various genres, building a reputation that has outlasted the controversies he faced. His works received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, although he was unable to accept them due to his blacklisting during the McCarthy era.
Besides screenwriting, Dalton was also involved in political activism and advocated for freedom of speech, making investments in causes that aligned with his values. His legacy has inspired a new generation of writers and filmmakers who appreciate the importance of artistic integrity.
James Dalton Trumbo (December 9, 1905 – September 10, 1976) was an American screenwriter who scripted many award-winning films, including Roman Holiday (1953), Exodus, Spartacus (both 1960), and Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944).
One of the Hollywood Ten, he refused to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in 1947 during the committee's investigation of alleged Communist influences in the motion picture industry.
Social Network
Dalton Trumbo's presence in today’s social media landscape would have been significant, considering his passion for activism and storytelling. Had he utilized platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, he could have reached millions who resonate with his story of perseverance against censorship.
Trumbo, the other members of the Hollywood Ten, and hundreds of other professionals in the industry were blacklisted by Hollywood. He continued working clandestinely on major films, writing under pseudonyms or other authors' names.
His uncredited work won two Academy Awards for Best Story: for Roman Holiday (1953), which was presented to a front writer, and for The Brave One (1956), which was awarded to a pseudonym used by Trumbo.
When he was given public screen credit for both Exodus and Spartacus in 1960, it marked the beginning of the end of the Hollywood Blacklist for Trumbo and other affected screenwriters. He finally was given full credit by the Writers' Guild for Roman Holiday in 2011, nearly 60 years after the fact, and 35 years after his death.
Education
Trumbo graduated from the University of Southern California, where he honed his writing and storytelling skills. His formal education provided him with the foundations necessary to excel in the competitive world of screenwriting, leading to a successful and impactful career.
Trumbo graduated from Grand Junction High School. While still in high school, he worked for Walter Walker as a cub reporter for the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, covering courts, the high school, the mortuary and civic organizations.
He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1924 and 1925, working as a reporter for the Boulder Daily Camera and contributing to the school's humor magazine, yearbook, and newspaper. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity.
