Academy Award-winning screenwriter and acclaimed novelist William Goldman died last night at age 87.
Goldman is probably best known for his Oscar wins for his scripting of the films “All the President’s Men” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” However, those Robert Redford films only give the briefest of introductions to the incredible work done by this writer.
In addition to the aforementioned films, the writer also was responsible for scripts for films like “The Stepford Wives,” “Flowers for Algernon,” “Misery,” “Chaplin,” and “A Bridge Too Far,” among many more. His last film work was on the 2015 actioner “Wild Card,” which was based on his own novel, “Heat.”
It wasn’t all films for Goldman, however. He was also an accomplished novelist, publishing over a dozen novels to his name, including “Marathon Man” and “The Princess Bride.” Both of those novels, the writer would later adapt himself into films. The latter of which is regarded as one of the best comedies of all time.
While his film work slowed down after 2003, Goldman’s mark on the industry is indelible. The writer also wrote memoirs about the craft, which are regarded as some of the best books about Hollywood, ever. “Adventures in the Screen Trade: A Personal View of Hollywood and Screenwriting” and “The Big Picture: Who Killed Hollywood? And Other Essays” are classics for those wanting to learn more about the industry and writing, in general.
Deadline reports that Goldman’s health had been deteriorating for quite some time and he took a turn for the worse over the summer. He passed away in his home in Manhattan, surrounded by family and friends.
In honor of Goldman’s legacy, here’s where you can read a selection of his screenplays and below, you will find a selection of interviews with the writer that are well worth the watch: