Joe Hyams

Joe Hyams was an American author and journalist, born in 1923, who spent much of his career chronicling Hollywood. After serving in World War II, where he earned military honors and reported for Stars and Stripes, Hyams pursued journalism. He began his Hollywood reporting for the New York Herald Tribune in 1951, quickly establishing a name for himself by interviewing major stars like Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. He continued to cover the entertainment industry for various publications until 1964.

Beyond his journalism, Hyams authored over two dozen books, many of which were biographies of the celebrities he knew, including works on Humphrey Bogart, Bogart & Bacall, and James Dean. He also wrote Hollywood-based novels and co-authored autobiographies. His book "Zen in the Martial Arts," published in 1979, drew from his extensive personal study of martial arts with notable figures like Bruce Lee. This work explored philosophy and life lessons derived from his practice, aiming to transform negative experiences into positive outcomes. Hyams passed away in 2008 at the age of 85.

Born in Massachusetts in 1923, Joe Hyams' early life included military service during World War II, where he was decorated for his bravery and also served as a correspondent for Stars and Stripes. Following the war and further education, Hyams transitioned into journalism. His career took a significant turn in 1951 when he was assigned by the New York Herald Tribune to cover illegal immigration, an assignment that led him to Los Angeles. A chance encounter at the Beverly Hills Hotel resulted in his first major celebrity interviews, including Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Frank Sinatra. This success led to his relocation to Los Angeles, where he worked as a syndicated Hollywood columnist from 1951 to 1964. He subsequently contributed to prominent magazines such as the Saturday Evening Post, Ladies' Home Journal, and Redbook, solidifying his reputation as a key chronicler of Hollywood.

Joe Hyams leveraged his extensive experience in Hollywood journalism to author numerous books, primarily focusing on the lives of the stars he covered. His bibliography includes over twenty-four titles, many of which are biographical works. Notable among these are "Bogie" (1966) and "Bogart & Bacall: A Love Story" (1975), offering insights into iconic Hollywood figures. He also penned "James Dean: Little Boy Lost" (1992). In addition to biographies, Hyams ventured into fiction, writing novels set within the film industry, such as "The Pool" and "Murder at the Academy Awards." He also co-authored celebrity autobiographies and explored non-fiction topics, including a book on the Arkansas prison scandal and a work on George Bush's wartime experiences.

A significant aspect of Joe Hyams' later work and personal life was his deep engagement with martial arts and Eastern philosophy. His 1979 book, "Zen in the Martial Arts," emerged from years of dedicated study with prominent figures like Bruce Lee, Bong-soo Han, and Ed Parker. Hyams' interest in martial arts began during his military service, partly as a response to discrimination he faced. He became proficient in various disciplines, including kenpo karate and Jeet Kune Do. His daughter, Melissa Hyams, described the book not just as a martial arts guide, but as a philosophical exploration of life, emphasizing how to navigate challenges and transform adversity into positive outcomes. This perspective reflects a core tenet of his teachings and writings.

“I don't trust any bastard who doesn't drink, especially a pipe-smoking newspaperman… or a man who has more hair than I have.”

“I don't drink, and I certainly have more hair on my head than you do.”

“It isn't really about martial arts. It's about life and philosophy, and how to turn a negative into a positive, how to defuse a situation by the way you handle it. That's what he'll most be remembered for.”