The Oscar-winning writer died at home in New York
Screenwriter William Goldman has passed away aged 87.
Goldman, who wrote the Oscar-winning films Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, was also known for adapting his own novels to screen including Marathon Man, Magic, and The Princess Bride.
He was also known for making the memorable declaration, “Nobody knows anything” (about the movie business) in his memoir, Adventures in the Screen Trade.
Goldman’s early career was writing novels before he broke into the film industry with 1965 spy caper, Masquerade.
Actor Paul Newman starred in a few of Goldman’s films, including in The Moving Target and Butch Cassidy…, appearing alongside Robert Redford in the latter.
Goldman passed away at his New York home today (November 16). It’s understood that he had been in poor health for some time.
Jenny Goldman, his daughter, confirmed his death to The Washington Post. She said there had been complications from colon cancer and pneumonia.
Showbiz celebrities including Ben Stiller, Michael Sheen and Mia Farrow have paid tribute to the late screenwriter. Stiller said Goldman created some of the “seminal movies of the 70’s and beyond”.
William Goldman was huge part Of creating some of the seminal movies of the 70’s and beyond. His book on screenwriting was a touchstone for me and I always felt star struck and intimidated seeing him at Knicks games. #RESPECT https://t.co/ED9HUJc50R
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) November 16, 2018
See more tributes below:
It's no small feat to be a smart, witty writer and smart and witty about writing. RIP the legendary adventurer in screenwriting, William Goldman. https://t.co/oqSyQaRq2R
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) November 16, 2018
Legendary William Goldman, has died. He gave us ‘The Princess Bride’, ( book even better than the film) ‘Butch Cassidy-’ screenplay of "All the President's Men’ and best book on show biz, ‘Adventures in the Screen Trade’. He was also a true friend. Thank you dear Bill pic.twitter.com/dcwfYPd3ue
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) November 16, 2018
William Goldman made my life, like so many millions of others, better and richer and more full of possibility because of what he wrote. What a gift. So sad today and so grateful. #WilliamGoldmanRIP pic.twitter.com/in3YOs8Pgm
— michael sheen (@michaelsheen) November 16, 2018