Frank Pierson

Biography

Frank Pierson (1925-2012) was an American screenwriter, director, and producer whose insightful and often gritty storytelling left an indelible mark on both film and television. With a career spanning over five decades, Pierson was celebrated for his ability to craft compelling narratives and explore complex human themes, earning him an Academy Award and numerous other accolades.

Born on May 12, 1925, in Chappaqua, New York, Pierson served in the Pacific during World War II. He later earned a degree in cultural anthropology from Harvard University before embarking on a career in journalism, working as a field correspondent for Time and Life magazines. This background in observation and human behavior would undoubtedly influence his later work in storytelling.

Pierson transitioned into screenwriting in the late 1950s, initially finding success in television. He was a script editor and writer on the popular Western series Have Gun – Will Travel and contributed to shows like Naked City and Route 66.

His breakthrough in film came with the screenplay for the comedic Western "Cat Ballou" (1965), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. He followed this with another Oscar nomination for the screenplay of "Cool Hand Luke" (1967), a classic drama known for its iconic line, "What we've got here is a failure to communicate."

Pierson's most celebrated achievement in screenwriting came with "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film, based on a real-life bank robbery, showcased Pierson's talent for capturing the raw intensity of human desperation and the absurdity of extraordinary circumstances.

Beyond his writing, Pierson also directed several notable films and television movies. His directorial credits include the 1976 remake of "A Star Is Born" (which he also scripted), "King of the Gypsies" (1978), and acclaimed TV movies like "Citizen Cohn" (1992) and "Truman" (1995). These directing endeavors further demonstrated his versatility and keen eye for character and drama.

Throughout his career, Pierson was actively involved in the film industry's leadership. He served two terms as President of the Writers Guild of America, West (1981-1983 and 1993-1995), and later as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 2001 to 2005. He was also a co-founder and teacher at the Sundance Screenwriters Lab and a faculty member at the University of Southern California's film school.

In his later years, Pierson continued to contribute to television, working as a consulting producer and writer for critically acclaimed series such as "Mad Men" and "The Good Wife".

Frank Pierson passed away on July 22, 2012, at the age of 87. He left behind a legacy of powerfully written and directed works that continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood's most respected and influential talents.