David Dortort (born David Katz) was born October 23, 1916 in New York City. He was a Hollywood producer and writer, widely known for his role as producer in two NBC television series Bonanza (1959–1967) and The High Chaparral (1967–1971). Dortort's focus shifted in the late 1960s to the newer series, leaving the production of Bonanza largely to his associates during its last five and a half years (1967–1973).