Celebrity Biographies
Orven Schanzer
Although she did not usually appear in the credits, she worked as an assistant director on Marilyn Monroe films, such as “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” or “How to Marry a Millionaire.” Orven Schanzer passed away at the age of 97 in Los Angeles on January 5, 2022, his family confirmed.
Born October 13, 1924, in Kansas City, Kansas, Orven Schanzer served in the US Air Force during World War II before beginning his career in the Fox mailroom. He was promoted to copying scripts, but through a stroke of luck, he ended up serving as the “errand boy” for studio head Darryl F. Zanuck , which enabled him within three years to become editor.
Orven Schanzer became close friends with film editor-turned-director Robert Wise and sports documentarian Bud Greenspan. During his 45-year career, he worked in six other Marilyn Monroe films , including We Are Not Married (1952), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). River of No Return (1954), Temptation Lives Up (1955) and Bus Stop (1956). He also worked as an assistant to the director on Cleopatra and Ultimatum to Earth , by the aforementioned Wise.
His only title as editor for a feature film for the big screen is for the film The Burning Jungle . His last years at Fox were spent in worldwide distribution. He retired in February 1992.
Survivors include her daughter, Lisa; his nephew Bill and his wife Jobina; his niece Esperanza; and several great-nephews.