Goldman was born in New York City in 1932. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Princeton University, where he studied English. After graduating, he worked as a journalist and a television writer before turning to screenwriting.Goldman’s first major success came in 1975, when he co-wrote the screenplay for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” The film, directed by Miloš Forman, was a critical and commercial smash, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay for Goldman and his co-writer, Lawrence Hauben.
Goldman followed up “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” with another hit, “Melvin and Howard” (1980). The film, which starred Paul Le Mat as a janitor who befriends a mentally challenged grocery clerk (Jason Robards), won two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay for Goldman.
Goldman continued to write screenplays throughout his career, including “The Rose” (1979), “The Princess Bride” (1987), and “Mr. Saturday Night” (1992). He also wrote the television miniseries “The Pentagon Papers” (1970) and the play “Spoils of War” (1985).
Goldman was a master of dialogue and character development. His scripts were often witty and insightful, and they featured memorable characters that audiences could relate to. He was also a gifted storyteller, and his films were often both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Goldman was a respected figure in the Hollywood community. He was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Writers Guild of America, and he received numerous awards for his work, including two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and two Writers Guild of America Awards.
Goldman is survived by his wife, Linda Goldstein; his four children; and his seven grandchildren.
He will be remembered as one of the most gifted screenwriters of his generation. His films are classics of American cinema, and his work will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for years to come.
