John Patrick Hayes (March 1, 1930 – August 21, 2000)[1] was an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. He began his career as a screenwriter, writing 1959's The Kiss, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Film. Hayes is best known for directing low-budget B-movie features and later, exploitation films.
Biography
Hayes was born March 1, 1930, in New York City to first-generation Irish American parents.[1][2] His parents divorced when he was four years old, after which he was raised by his grandmother and uncle.[1] He had a sister, Dolores, who was raised separately from him in a Catholic convent, and subsequently developed schizophrenia as an adult.[1] After spending two years in the United States Navy, Hayes returned to New York City and began studying acting with Erwin Piscator.[1]
Career
Hayes began his career in the 1950s producing and directing short films. In 1959, he was nominated for an Academy Award for the short film The Kiss.[3]
In 1961, he directed his first full-length film The Grass Eater. In addition to directing, Hayes also served as producer and writer on many of his films. Occasionally, Hayes appeared in bit parts in television and films, mainly his own features.[4]
