Warren Beatty if its regular host comedians, Milton Berle. Beatty learned to do a "superb imitation of Berle and his routine," said a friend, and he often used Berle-type humor at home. His sister Shirley MacLaine's lasting memories of her brother include seeing him reading books by Eugene O'Neill or singing along to Al Jolson records. In "Rules Don't Apply" (2016), Beatty plays Howard Hughes, who is shown talking about and singing Jolson songs while flying his plane. MacLaine noted, on what made her brother want to become a filmmaker, sometimes writing, producing, directing and starring in his films: "That's why he's
Warren Beatty he named it for Kathlyn (whose nickname was "Tat") and Ira. At age 29, Beatty produced and acted in "Bonnie and Clyde", which would be released in 1967. He assembled a team that included the writers Robert Benton and David Newman, and the director, Arthur Penn. Beatty selected most of the cast, including Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, Gene Wilder and Michael J. Pollard. Beatty also oversaw the script and spearheaded the delivery of the film. Gene Hackman was chosen because Beatty had acted with him in "Lilith" in 1964 and felt he was a "great" actor. Upon completion