Jack Nicholson's private eye character in the film Chinatown (1974) was based in part on Otash. Otash also appeared occasionally in tough guy film roles.
He wrote a memoir: Investigation Hollywood: Memoirs Of Hollywood's Top Private Detective. He was reportedly hired by Peter Lawford to assist him in covering up Kennedy-related incriminating evidence following the suicide death of Marilyn Monroe.
Private detective.
Was a Hollywood police officer, private investigator, author and part-time character actor who inserted himself into a number of Hollywood scandals.
Worked for Hollywood Research Incorporated, whose clients included the infamous sleaze tabloid Confidential Magazine.
Had one daughter, Colleen Otash, from his brief marriage to Columbia actress Doris Houck (aka Doris Colleen).