Mario Puzo

Mario Puzo was born October 15, 1920, in "Hell's Kitchen" on Manhattan's (NY) West Side and, following military service in World War II, attended New York's New School for Social Research and Columbia University. His best-known novel, The Godfather, was preceded by two critically acclaimed novels, The Dark Arena and The Fortunate Pilgrim. In 1978, he published Fools Die, followed by The Sicilian (1984) and The Fourth K (1991). Mario Puzo has also written several screenplays, including Earthquake, Superman, and all three Godfather movies, for which he received two Academy Awards®. Mario's latest novel, 1996's The Last Don, was made into a CBS television miniseries in May 1997, starring Danny Aiello, Kirsty Ally and Joe Montegna. In 1997, Part II was aired. Also in 1997, Mario's The Fortunate Pilgrim was re-released by Random House. Mario passed away July 2, 1999, at his home in Bay Shore, Long Island. His novel Omerta was released a year later. He is survived by his companion of 20 years, Carol Gino, and five children.