Bo Goldman

Biography

Bo Goldman, born Robert Goldman on September 10, 1932, in New York City, was a celebrated American screenwriter and playwright known for his emotionally rich and character-driven screenplays. He came from a well-to-do family—his father was a successful businessman—and he attended Princeton University, where he sharpened his writing skills as an editor for The Daily Princetonian. After serving in the U.S. Army, Goldman pursued a career in television and theater before finding his true calling in film.

Career:

Bo Goldman’s breakthrough came relatively late in life with the screenplay for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), which he co-wrote with Lawrence Hauben. The film, adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel, was a massive critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and earning Goldman an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

He followed up with The Rose (1979), a loosely based story on Janis Joplin’s life, which garnered him further acclaim. In 1980, he wrote Melvin and Howard, a quirky and heartfelt story about a man who claimed to be the beneficiary of Howard Hughes’ will. The film won Goldman his second Academy Award, this time for Best Original Screenplay.

Goldman continued his career with scripts for films such as Shoot the Moon (1982), City Hall (1996), and Scent of a Woman (1992), the latter earning Al Pacino his first Oscar and Goldman another Oscar nomination. Known for his sharp wit, depth of character, and humanity, Goldman was often praised by peers and critics alike for bringing emotional intelligence to his scripts.

Legacy:

Bo Goldman is widely regarded as one of Hollywood's most gifted screenwriters. His work bridged the gap between classic storytelling and modern character introspection. With two Academy Awards and several other honors, he left an indelible mark on American cinema. He passed away on July 25, 2023, at the age of 90, but his stories and influence continue to resonate in the world of film.