Trivia

One of the few white people to win an NAACP Image Award for creating the 'Shaft' books.

Dropped out of school at age 14 and then embarked on a 25 year long career as a journalist, beginning as police reporter for 'The Cleveland News'. In 1960, he became assistant women's editor for 'The New York Times'.

Came up with the character's name by looking out his book publisher's window and seeing a sign that read "Fire Shaft".

His two first film screenplays were Shaft (1971) and The French Connection (1971), both iconic films dealing with the crime scene in the New York of early 1970's. He won an Oscar for the latter film.

Began his writing career as a reporter for the New York Post.

Played the violin.