David S. Dorfman

Biography

David Dorfman is an American screenwriter known for his work in mainstream comedy films. He studied at New York University, where he developed his interest in storytelling and screenwriting. After completing his education, Dorfman moved to Los Angeles to pursue a professional career in the film industry.

Early Career

Before achieving success as a screenwriter, Dorfman worked as a script reader at William Morris Agency. During this time, he honed his understanding of screenplay structure and the business side of Hollywood.

In 1998, he made a breakthrough by selling his first major script to New Line Cinema. The screenplay was originally titled The Guest.

Breakthrough and Major Releases

Although The Guest was sold first, its release was delayed. Meanwhile, Dorfman’s second major script, Anger Management, reached theaters earlier in April 2003. The comedy, starring Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson, became a commercial hit, spending two weeks at the top of the box office and grossing over $135 million domestically.

The Guest was eventually released in the summer of 2003 under the new title My Boss's Daughter. While it gained attention, it did not replicate the box office success of Anger Management, earning close to $16 million.

Recognition

Following the success of Anger Management, Dorfman received industry recognition and was named one of the “Ten Hottest Voices in Comedy” by Variety. This acknowledgment highlighted his rising prominence in Hollywood comedy writing.

Career Impact

David Dorfman’s early success established him as a notable voice in studio comedy during the early 2000s. His ability to craft commercially appealing comedic scripts helped him gain recognition within the competitive Hollywood screenwriting landscape.