James Ellroy
- Known For
- Writing
- Born
- March 4, 1948 in Los Angeles, California, USA
- Active Years
- 1988–2025 (38 Years)
- Total Credits
- 40 credits in database
Biography
James Ellroy is an American crime fiction writer and essayist born on March 4, 1948, in Los Angeles, California. Also known as Lee Earle Elroy, he is recognized for a telegraphic prose style characterized by short, staccato sentences and the omission of connecting words. His notable bibliography includes the novels The Black Dahlia, The Big Nowhere, L.A. Confidential, White Jazz, American Tabloid, The Cold Six Thousand, and Blood's a Rover. The film adaptation of L.A. Confidential received two Academy Awards, including one for the adapted screenplay by Curtis Hanson and Brian Helgeland and another for Kim Basinger as supporting actress. Ellroy holds 39 known credits in the film and television industry.
Career overview
James Ellroy is an American crime fiction writer and essayist born on March 4, 1948, in Los Angeles, California. He is recognized for a telegraphic prose style characterized by the omission of connecting words and the use of short, staccato sentences. His bibliography includes several notable novels, such as The Black Dahlia, published in 1987, and The Big Nowhere, published in 1988. His other major works include L.A. Confidential from 1990, White Jazz from 1992, American Tabloid from 1995, The Cold Six Thousand from 2001, and Blood's a Rover from 2009.
The film adaptation of L.A. Confidential received two Academy Awards, including one for the adapted screenplay written by Curtis Hanson and Brian Helgeland, and another for Kim Basinger in the category of supporting actress. Ellroy is also known by the name Lee Earle Elroy and holds 39 known credits in his professional career. His work continues to be referenced in discussions regarding crime fiction and film history.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
40 titles- Ellroy vs L.A. (2025) as Self (Footage archive)
- Iconic America (2023) as Self
- Los Angeles narrates (2017) as Self
- Ronald Reagan, un président sur mesure (2017)
- Los Angeles Film Noir (2015) as Himself
- Late Night with Seth Meyers (2014) as Self
- A Night at the Movies: Cops & Robbers and Crime Writers (2013) as Self
- Rampart (2011) Screenplay
- The Cost of Living: Creating the Prowler (2011)
- C à vous (2009) as Self - Guest
- Street Kings (2008) Screenplay
- Whatever You Desire: Making 'L.A. Confidential' (2008) as Self
- Sunlight and Shadow: The Visual Style of 'L.A. Confidential' (2008) as Self
- The Truth about Black Dahlia (2007) as archive footage
- The Black Dahlia (2006) Novel
- Film Noir: Bringing Darkness to Light (2006) as Self
- Shadows of Suspense (2006) as Self
- James Ellroy: American Dog (2006) as Self
- Leçon de Cinéma (2004) as Self
- Black Dahlia Confidential (2004)
- Bazaar Bizarre: The Strange Case of Serial Killer Bob Berdella (2004) as Himself
- L.A. Confidential (2003) Novel
- L.A. County 187 (2003) Writer
- Dark Blue (2002) Story
- Stay Clean (2002) as Right
- Stay Clean (2002) Novel
- Vakvagany (2002) as Himself
- Feast of Death (2001) as Self
- Besuch bei James Ellroy (2001) as Self
- Wonder Boys (2000) as Wordfest Party Guest
- Brown's Requiem (1998) Novel
- L.A. Confidential (1997) Novel
- E! True Hollywood Story (1996)
- Shotgun Freeway: Drives Through Lost L.A. (1995) as self
- White Jazz (1995) as Self
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993) as Self - Guest
- Fallen Angels (1993) Story
- James Ellroy: Demon Dog of American Crime Fiction (1993) as Self
- Cop (1988) Novel
- The Lead Sheet Creator
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is James Ellroy best known for?
James Ellroy is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Iconic America (2023), Late Night with Seth Meyers (2014), C à vous (2009), Street Kings (2008).
When and where was James Ellroy born?
James Ellroy was born on March 4, 1948 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
How many credits does James Ellroy have?
James Ellroy has accumulated over 40 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1988 to 2025.
What is James Ellroy's background in cinema and television?
James Ellroy is an American crime fiction writer and essayist born on March 4, 1948, in Los Angeles, California. Also known as Lee Earle Elroy, he is recognized for a telegraphic prose style characterized by short, staccato sentences and the omission of connecting words. His notable bibliography includes the novels The...
James Ellroy by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993) as Self - Guest — aged about 45
- Wonder Boys (2000) as Wordfest Party Guest — aged about 52
- C à vous (2009) as Self - Guest — aged about 61
- Late Night with Seth Meyers (2014) as Self — aged about 66
- Iconic America (2023) as Self — aged about 75
- Bazaar Bizarre: The Strange Case of Serial Killer Bob Berdella (2004) as Himself — aged about 56
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