The renowned writer and director, Marshall Brickman, famous for his collaborations with Woody Allen on numerous early projects, has passed away at the age of 85.
Sophie Brickman, his daughter and Oscar-winning talent, shared the sad news of her father’s passing which took place in Manhattan on Friday. Marshall Brickman had an illustrious career in writing, directing, and producing for more than half a century for both stage and screen.
The specific cause of death wasn’t disclosed, as reported by The New York Times.
Brickman’s partnership with Allen began with the 1973 sci-fi comedy, Sleeper. Together, they wrote the massively successful Annie Hall, a satirical romantic-comedy that earned both an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The creative duo continued their collaboration with Allen’s 1979 sequel Manhattan, earning another screenplay nomination. Their partnership was revisited once again in the 1993 dark comedy Manhattan Murder Mystery.
Marshall Brickman was born on August 25, 1939, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Initially, he pursued studies in science and music, intending to become a doctor. However, his career took a turn when he joined the folk band The Tarriers in 1962, recording a banjo album that eventually served as the soundtrack for Deliverance (1972). Brickman later joined the New Journeyman with John and Michelle Phillips, who later founded The Mamas & The Papas.
THE 50TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS – Show Coverage – Shoot Date: April 3, 1978. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
MARSHALL BRICKMAN
Before meeting Allen, Brickman had already begun his writing career for Candid Camera, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and The Dick Cavett Show.
As a writer and director, Brickman’s portfolio includes Simon (1980) with Alan Arkin, Lovesick (1983) featuring Dudley Moore and Elizabeth McGovern, and The Manhattan Project (1986) with John Lithgow.
Prior to his work on For the Boys (1991) and Intersection (1994), Brickman co-authored the pilot for The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence, which later evolved into The Muppet Show (1976-’81). He further penned the books for Broadway musicals Jersey Boys (2005) and The Addams Family (2010). He also collaborated with Rick Elice on the 2014 movie musical adaptation of Jersey Boys, directed by Clint Eastwood.
Credit: deadline.com
