Obituary – Cause of Death : Norma Barzman, Blacklisted Screenwriter, Dies at 103: Taking on Hollywood

Norma Barzman, a blacklisted screenwriter who fearlessly challenged Hollywood’s power structures, has passed away at the remarkable age of 103. The news of her death was shared by twitbituaries on Twitter, citing the LA Times as the source.

Born on September 15, 1920, Norma Barzman lived a life dedicated to breaking barriers and fighting for justice. She was a prominent figure during the era of the Hollywood blacklist, a period in the 1940s and 1950s when individuals suspected of having communist ties were denied employment within the entertainment industry.

Barzman was born in Mason City, Iowa, and later moved to New York City, where she pursued her passion for writing. With her talent and determination, she quickly made a name for herself in the world of screenwriting. However, her career was abruptly halted when she and her husband, Ben Barzman, were accused of having communist sympathies during the Red Scare.

Despite facing immense pressure and scrutiny, Norma Barzman never wavered in her commitment to her principles. She refused to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), which was responsible for investigating alleged communist activities in the entertainment industry. This unwavering defiance led to her being blacklisted and effectively barred from working in Hollywood.

During this dark period of her life, Barzman and her husband decided to move to Europe, seeking refuge and employment opportunities away from the watchful eyes of the HUAC. In France, she continued her writing career under a pseudonym, ensuring that her voice would not be silenced by the oppressive regime that plagued Hollywood.

It was only in the 1960s, when the blacklist began to lose its grip on the industry, that Barzman and her husband were able to return to the United States. Despite the years of hardship and being deprived of opportunities, her spirit remained unbroken. She continued to write and advocate for free expression and artistic integrity throughout her life.

Norma Barzman’s contributions to the film industry cannot be understated. Her work as a screenwriter, even under the pseudonym she was forced to adopt, showcased her undeniable talent and commitment to storytelling. She was not only a talented writer but also a powerful advocate for social justice, using her platform to challenge the oppressive systems that sought to silence dissenting voices.

While the cause of Norma Barzman’s death has not been disclosed, her legacy will undoubtedly live on. Her courageous stand against the Hollywood blacklist and her unwavering commitment to her principles will continue to inspire generations of artists and activists.

As we mourn the passing of this remarkable woman, let us remember Norma Barzman as a trailblazer, a fighter, and a true champion of artistic freedom. Her legacy serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, our voices can never truly be silenced. Rest in power, Norma Barzman..

Norma Barzman, blacklisted screenwriter who took on Hollywood, dies at 103 – https://t.co/lxxgiD1Oiq (LA Times)

— twitbituaries (@twitbituaries) January 11, 2024

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@twitbituaries said Norma Barzman, blacklisted screenwriter who took on Hollywood, dies at 103