David Benioff, born as David Friedman on September 25, 1970, is a versatile American writer, producer, and director known for his remarkable contribution to both literature and the screen. Benioff's journey into the realm of creativity has been marked by his diverse experiences, which range from working as a nightclub bouncer in San Francisco to being a radio DJ in Wyoming, and even serving as an English teacher and wrestling coach in Brooklyn.

Benioff's literary prowess was first recognized with the sale of his debut novel, The 25th Hour, in 2000. This novel not only established his footprint in literature but also led to a successful screenplay adaptation by Spike Lee, starring Edward Norton and Philip Seymour Hoffman. His talent for storytelling extends beyond novels, as evidenced by his collection of short stories, When the Nines Roll Over, published by Viking Press in 2005.

On the screenwriting front, Benioff has made significant contributions with films such as Troy (2004), Stay (2005), and The Kite Runner (2007). His screenplay for Brothers was produced by Jim Sheridan, and he penned the script for X-Men Origins: Wolverine, with Hugh Jackman reprising his role as the titular character. However, Benioff is perhaps best known for co-creating the iconic HBO series Game of Thrones, alongside D.B. Weiss, an adaptation of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Benioff's contributions to both literature and film underscore his dynamic talent and versatility as a storyteller, making him a prominent figure in contemporary American culture.