Woody Allen

Born as Allen Konigsberg on December 1st 1935, Woody Allen is one of the most celebrated and revered of all directors and scriptwriters that Hollywood has ever produced. He started his career at the humble age of fifteen by selling one-liners and witty quotes to leading gossip columns. For a while, he worked as a standup comedian; he got his first break in Hollywood in 1965 when he was hired to write the script for 'What's New Pussycat'. And spurred by this experience, Woody directed his first movie in 1966 titled 'What's Up, Tiger Lily?' which was a Japanese spy flick.

'What's New Pussycat' was also the first time that this great director donned the hat of an actor. The movie also made him realize that he must have entire control of the production to be completely satisfied. Woody's real directorial debut is considered to be the mockumentary, 'Take the Money and Run'. There has been no looking back ever since; this eccentric but intelligent artist has produced, directed, written and acted in some of the best Hollywood movies.

Woody Allen has produced a lot of romantic comedies but his most memorable ones have to be 'Annie Hall' and 'Manhattan'. Some of his other memorable movies down the years include Love and Death, Hannah and her Sisters, Celebrity, Stardust Memories, Husbands and Wives, Deconstructing Harry, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Match Point and Mighty Aphrodite.

On the personal front, Woody is known for his unruly life and shocking relationships. His first wife was Harlene Susan Rosen whom he divorced in 1962; he married again in 1966 to Louise Lasser but the relationship ended in 1970. After many clandestine affairs, he then admitted to an open relationship with Soon-Yi Previn whom he married in 1997. The relationship shocked the showbiz world as Soon-Yi was the adopted daughter of Mia Farrow who was Woody's live in girlfriend at that time. He is still married to Soon-Yi and the couple has two adopted daughters.

There are many trademark characteristics that one can note in Woody Allen's pictures. Most of his movies feature a writer and the role is often played by Woody himself. He tries to frequently potray himself as a neurotic New Yorker in many of his movies. His star cast often includes Mia Farrow, Judy Davis, Scarlett Johansson and Diane Keaton. Almost all his films end with white-on-black credits and New York City is his favorite place to shoot. Another quirkiness that he exhibits is that he does not watch any of his movies once they are released.

In spite of his many eccentricities, Woody Allen is one of Hollywood's most prolific writers of all times. He has written, directed and acted in at least one movie every year since 1969, a feat that no one else can boast of. Personally, he holds no interest in receiving awards but he remains the Academy's favorite with a record of fourteen Oscar nominations for Best Original Screenplay. Though his style of storytelling has changed over the years, Woody is still Hollywood's favorite director and film maker because of his sheer mastery of the art.

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