With the birth of television in the late 1940s came a new medium through which writers could reach varied audiences. Paddy Chayefsky recognized the scope of this medium and produced some remarkable television plays, including Marty (1953) and The Bachelor Party (1953). His experience in television led to several motion picture opportunities in which Chayefsky's intense involvement as a producer and writer created another area of renown for him. In addition, Chayefsky's expertise touched the Theatre; his themes ranged from a melange of spiritual concerns in The Tenth Man (1959) to a satirical jab at man's obsession with materialism in The Latent Heterosexual (1968). Few artists have enjoyed success in three different media, but due to his flexibility and talent, Paddy Chayefsky has triumphed in each field.

The son of Harry and Gussie Stuchevsky Chayefsky, both Russian immigrants, Sidney Chayefsky was born and raised in a traditional Jewish household in the Bronx...