From Yellow Cab To Silver Screen: Jack Dym’s Story
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Jack Dym, a New York City cab driver whose career spanned more than six decades and over two million miles, celebrated his 99th birthday this week with a small, intimate gathering of family. Though quiet, the occasion marked a lifetime of dedication to the city he has loved and served, and a legacy that continues to inspire both family and filmmakers.
Dym, a widower and father of four, became a symbol of perseverance and dedication in New York’s taxi community. In the 1980s, he received a lifetime achievement award for his remarkable career, which saw him crisscross the boroughs thousands of times over. In 2002, he was featured on CBS Sunday Morning after completing his high school education and attending his senior prom in his 80s, an event that captured the hearts of viewers nationwide. He was also recognized by the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission as the oldest living cab driver.
“Jack’s life is incredible,” said his cousin, Elyssa Rosen, who has written a screenplay inspired by Dym’s journey. Titled Two Million Miles of Love, the story honors a working-class New Yorker who, despite personal hardships, remained devoted to his family and the people he encountered behind the wheel.
Rosen said the idea for the screenplay emerged from family history and Jack’s role as one of the last living members of a close-knit immigrant family. “Jack is the last one left from a very big family of the Greatest Generation,” she said. “All his brothers and our parents are gone. I knew about him growing up, and later, when I was working in a restaurant, he would come in and eat. That sparked my curiosity about his life and how our family built itself here.”
The screenplay, while inspired by real events, takes creative liberties. In Rosen’s story, Dym raises an adopted daughter alone after the death of his wife, a narrative choice that diverges from his real-life family but captures the essence of his devotion and quiet heroism. The screenplay spans five decades, following Dym and his daughter through New York City from the 1950s to the late 20th century.
“In the 1950s, they go to Radio City Music Hall, see the Rockettes, and visit the Copper Cabana,” Rosen explained. “The 1960s reflect the Vietnam War and city protests. The 1970s show a generational clash as he navigates fatherhood. Studio 54, the cultural milestones, the city’s evolution—it’s all there. I wanted the audience to feel the city through Jack’s eyes.”
Rosen, who has a background as a teacher and edtech professional, said mentorship from David Kirkpatrick helped shape the screenplay. Kirkpatrick, a former studio executive, provided guidance on structure and pacing, helping Rosen focus the story on Jack’s humanity rather than only his accomplishments.
“Jack’s story isn’t about fame or fortune,” Rosen said. “It’s about a man who loved people and faced the challenges of his time with grace. That’s what I wanted to capture.”
Dym’s real-life achievements and adventures read like a movie script in themselves. Beyond decades of driving, he witnessed the city evolve firsthand, meeting countless passengers, including notable figures, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to service despite long hours and the city’s challenges.
“Even now, at 99, he’s positive and upbeat,” Rosen said. “He uses a walker and his memory isn’t what it once was, but his attitude is remarkable. He makes people happy just by being around.”
His 99th birthday was a low-key affair with family, including Rosen and her husband, but plans are underway for a larger celebration when Dym turns 100. For now, Rosen continues to work on bringing his story to the screen, hoping that the film will honor not just a remarkable life but also the city that shaped it.
“Everybody loves nostalgia and New York,” she said. “The story has humor, heart, and history. From the immigrant experience to the cabbie’s daily grind, it’s a portrait of resilience and love. I hope audiences see Jack for who he is—a man who, through decades of hard work and devotion, never lost his love for people.”
Two Million Miles of Love represents more than a biographical story; it is a tribute to a generation that shaped New York City and a reminder that ordinary lives can be extraordinary.
