“Forgotten Hollywood”- High Profile Screenwriter is Gone…
November 5th, 2015Manny P. here…
Melissa Mathison, the screenwriter who crafted magical family films, including E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, has died. The motion picture earned the screenwriter an Oscar nod for Best Original Screenplay. For over 20 years, she was also married to Harrison Ford. They divorced in 2004.
Mathison’s initial credited work was in assistant roles on The Godfather: Part II and Apocalypse Now, before she broke out with her script for The Black Stallion. Her words were included in Kick the Can, from the cinematic version of Twilight Zone: The Movie. Melissa often collaborated with producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall and worked with directors like Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Frank Oz.
Mathison met the Dalai Lama in 1990 when she wrote Kundun, and developed a lasting friendship with the spiritual leader. She continued to work as an activist for Tibet freedom and was a member of the board of the International Campaign for Tibet.
Her final assignment is set for release next year, again working with Spielberg on The BFG, which will be released by The Walt Disney Company. It’s an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s oft-forgotten, yet much celebrated story. The cast will include Bill Hader and Downton Abbey’s Penelope Wilton.
Melissa Mathison was 65.
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Automotive legend George Barris (above) was known throughout the world as the original King of Kustomizers. His creations are legendary in the world of television and motion pictures, including the original television series Batmobile, Munster Koach, and KITT from Nightrider. His personal collection included the General Lee, Torino Green Hornet, and the Monkee Mobile.
George Barris was 89.
Until next time> “never forget”
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