Susan Shilliday

Biography

Susan Shilliday is an American screenwriter best known for her work on acclaimed films and television series, demonstrating a talent for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. While her primary impact has been in the world of cinema, her career has also seen an interesting pivot to a different kind of storytelling.

Biography and Early Career:

Details about Susan Shilliday's early life and exact birthdate are not widely publicized. However, it is known that she spent many years in Los Angeles, building a successful career as a screenwriter. Her work often involved adapting existing literary works, showcasing her ability to translate complex narratives and characters from page to screen.

Key Contributions to Film and Television:

Shilliday's most prominent credits include:

• Legends of the Fall (1994): This epic historical drama, co-written by Shilliday (story and screenplay) and William D. Wittliff, is arguably her most famous work. Starring Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, and Julia Ormond, the film was a significant box office success and received critical acclaim, particularly for its sweeping narrative and powerful performances.
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• I Dreamed of Africa (2000): She also penned the screenplay for this biographical drama starring Kim Basinger, based on the true story of Kuki Gallmann's life in Kenya.

• A Wrinkle in Time (2003): Shilliday adapted Madeleine L'Engle's beloved classic novel for the small screen, writing the teleplay for the Disney television film.

• Thirtysomething (TV Series): She was a writer for the highly regarded drama series "Thirtysomething," which explored the lives and relationships of a group of baby boomers. Her work on this show earned her a Writers Guild Award for Episodic Drama in 1989.

Beyond these major credits, Shilliday has also been credited with script revisions on other notable films, including When a Man Loves a Woman (1994), Cutthroat Island (1995), Courage Under Fire (1996), Girl, Interrupted (1999), and High Crimes (2002). Her ability to contribute to various genres and projects highlights her versatility as a screenwriter.

A Shift to the East Coast and the Montague Bookmill:

After years of living and working in Los Angeles, Shilliday made a significant change in her life. Following her daughters' graduation from high school and their subsequent college attendance in Massachusetts, Shilliday decided to move east. In 2007, she purchased the Montague Bookmill in Montague, Massachusetts.

This unique bookstore, housed in a historic gristmill by a waterfall, became a new chapter in her life. The Bookmill's motto, "Books you don't need from a place you can't find," playfully reflects its charming and somewhat off-the-beaten-path location. Owning and operating a bookstore allows Shilliday to remain deeply connected to the world of storytelling, albeit in a different capacity. She has also taught screenwriting at Hampshire College, further sharing her expertise.

Susan Shilliday's career showcases a successful trajectory in the demanding world of Hollywood screenwriting, followed by a fascinating transition to a more serene and hands-on engagement with literature and community.