William Goldman

Date of Birth: August 12, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: November 16, 2018

Biography

William Goldman was an acclaimed American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter, renowned for his contributions to both literature and film. Born on August 12, 1931, in Highland Park, Illinois, Goldman initially pursued a career in literature, writing several novels before transitioning to screenwriting. He achieved significant success with his novels such as “The Princess Bride” and “Marathon Man,” both of which he adapted into highly successful films. Goldman’s screenwriting career was equally illustrious; he penned iconic films like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” for which he won an Academy Award, and “All the President’s Men,” earning him a second Oscar. Known for his versatility and wit, Goldman left an indelible mark on both the literary and cinematic worlds. He passed away on November 16, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of influential works that continue to inspire.

5 Interesting Facts about William Goldman

1. William Goldman won two Academy Awards for screenwriting: one for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969) and another for “All the President’s Men” (1976).

2. His novel “The Princess Bride” has become a cult classic and was adapted into a beloved film in 1987.

3. Goldman coined the famous Hollywood adage, “Nobody knows anything,” referring to the unpredictability of the film industry.

4. He wrote the screenplay for the psychological thriller “Marathon Man,” which introduced the famous line, “Is it safe?”

5. Goldman was also a prolific author of memoirs and non-fiction works about the film industry, including the seminal “Adventures in the Screen Trade.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Goldman

1. “Life isn’t fair, it’s just fairer than death, that’s all.”

2. “Nobody knows anything… Not one person in the entire motion picture field knows for a certainty what’s going to work. Every time out it’s a guess and, if you’re lucky, an educated one.”

3. “I write to understand as much as to be understood.”

4. “Follow your enthusiasm. It’s the only thing that can keep you going.”

5. “The easiest thing to do on earth is not write.”