Mario Puzo’s life has been filled with ups and downs, especially when it comes to finance. His novels have done well, especially ‘The Godfather,’ which catapulted him to the status of the father of crime fiction. On this page, you will find many other interesting facts about Mario Puzo and his work that you may not know about. These interesting facts about Mario Puzo provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the iconic novels and screenplays, showcasing his diverse talents and experiences.
He had an early Career in Comics
Before becoming a renowned novelist, Mario Puzo worked in the comic book industry. He wrote for comic books, including “The Hardy Boys” and “The Marvel Superheroes,” which provided him with early writing experience.
He received an award for his service in the US Army
Puzo served in World War II as a U.S. Army corporal and received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle. He served in the US Army Air Forces during World War II, and was stationed in Germany, which provided him with a broader perspective on life. His experiences during the war greatly influenced his perspectives on life and human nature, which is evident in his works.
He wrote screenplays to make a living because of his financial challenges
He initially aspired to be a writer of serious literature but turned to pulp fiction and screenplays to make a living. Puzo faced financial difficulties at various points in his life, including after the success of “The Godfather.” This led him to write screenplays and other novels to support his family.
He originally turned down the offer of writing a screenplay for The Godfather movie
Puzo was originally offered the job of writing the screenplay for The Godfather by Paramount Pictures, but he turned it down because he didn’t want to glorify the Mafia. He eventually agreed to write the screenplay after he realized that he could use the film to explore the complex themes of power, family, and loyalty.
He had a diverse writing career
After ‘The Godfather‘, he authored several other successful novels, including ‘The Sicilian,’ ‘The Last Don,’ and ‘Omerta,’ all of which further solidified his reputation as a master of crime fiction. In addition to his Mafia-themed novels, the last two not only explored themes of organized crime but in different settings and contexts. Yet while Puzo is best known for his Mafia-themed novels, he wrote a wide range of works, including historical fiction, adventure novels, and non-fiction books.
He wrote the screenplay for Superman and other movies
Puzo co-wrote the screenplays for all three Godfather films, as well as the screenplays for Superman: The Movie (1978), Superman II (1980), and Cotton Club (1984).
He is an Academy Award winner
Mario Puzo co-wrote the screenplay for the iconic film adaptation of The Godfather with director Francis Ford Coppola, which got him awards. He won two Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay for “The Godfather” (with Coppola) and “The Godfather Part II.”
There is a Fourth Godfather Novel
Many readers are aware of Puzo’s three “Godfather” novels, but he also authored a fourth, titled “The Family Corleone.” It was completed by Ed Falco based on Puzo’s notes.
