William Goldman dies

Princess Bride screenwriter was 87

by Jennie Kermode

William Goldman (centre) with Richard Attenborough and Joe Levine
William Goldman (centre) with Richard Attenborough and Joe Levine Photo: Bert Verhoeff/Anefo

William Goldman, the screenwriter behind such celebrated works as The Princess Bride, All The President's Men and Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid has died at the age of 87. His health had been poor for some time.

Also an author and playwright, with some of his work adapted for the screen by others, the Chicago-born Columbia graduate broke through as a screenwriter with Harper in 1966. He went on to create memorable adaptations of his own novel Marathon Man and Ira Levin's The Stepford Wives. His later work includes Stephen King adaptations Misery, Hearts In Atlantis and Dreamcatcher. He also worked as a script doctor on such films as Indecent Proposal, Twins and Last Action Hero.

Goldman died at home from pneumonia and complications of colon cancer. He is survived by daughters Jenny and Susanna.

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