John Carlen was born on October 13, 1945 in Dallas, Texas, USA. He was a writer, known for Sonny (2002), Dark Justice (1991) and Lethal Vows (1999). He died on December 10, 2009 in San Diego, California, USA.
Started in the film industry as an advisor. He worked with both Dustin Hoffman and Harry Dean Stanton on their portrayals as bank robbers. His screenplay for Sonny (2002), directed by Nicolas Cage, was loosely based on his own life.
Reportedly born in a Dallas house of prostitution run by his great-grandmother, who oversaw a criminal empire.
His time in prison as a male hustler and a bank robber served as inspiration for some of his film scripts. He began writing while in jail.