Film editor Dede Allen worked her way up at Columbia Pictures, first starting as a messenger, then as a sound librarian, and up to assistant film editor. She was mentored by director Robert Wise, who had edited Citizen Kane. After 16 years working in the film industry, she cut her first important feature, Odds Against Tomorrow (1959).

She’s known for cutting The Hustler (1961), Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), The Breakfast Club (1985), and Wonder Boys (2000), among others.