“Nobody Knows Anything…”
RIP William Goldman…the Author of those insightful words about Hollywood.
He was one of Hollywood’s greatest Writers – the legendary Author and Screenwriter William Goldman has died at the age of 87.
As Variety reports:
William Goldman, who won Oscars for his original screenplay for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and his adaptation of “All the President’s Men,” died on Friday in his Manhattan home, according to the the Washington Post. He was 87.
His daughter Jenny Goldman cited complications from colon cancer and pneumonia as the cause of his death.
A Look At His Greatest Work…
There is so much to list here, as he truly was one of the greats, as both an Author as well as a Screenwriter.
Norman Mailer presents Oscar to William Goldman at Academy Awards in Los Angeles March 28, 1977, for screenplay from other medium for All The Presidents Men. (AP Photo)
Goldman won an Oscar for Best Screenplay for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” in 1969 – a film that is as fresh and relevant today as it was then.
Goldman also wrote the brilliant screenplay for “All the President’s Men” – nominated for Best Picture of 1976 – as well as “Marathon Man”, adapted from his own novel.
Perhaps his most endearing novel of all became one of Hollywood’s biggest cult hits – yes, Goldman wrote the novel, and the screenplay for “The Princess Bride.”
Talk about a classic! In addition to novels and screenplays, Goldman wrote several great non-fiction books about the wacky world of Hollywood, including his bestselling classic “Adventures In The Screen Trade”:
Goldman captured life in the entertainment business, in which he famously observed “nobody knows anything,” a line that is often quoted on studio lots and executive suites today.
His other non-fiction bestseller had the wry title, “Which Lie Did I Tell?” and it is based on a meeting he was having with a major Hollywood studio Executive, who had to take a call in the middle of their conversation. At one point, the Executive covers the phone, and assuming that Goldman was listening, whispers to him, “which lie did I tell?”
That tells you all you need to know about Hollywood…
He also wrote a book about his experience serving on the jury at the Cannes Film Festival…I was a huge fan of all of his work, and own all three of his books in original hardcover editions…
RIP to a brilliant Writer…
Categories: 70's Cinema, Academy Awards, Action Films, Art, Books / Media, Cult Movies, Great Films, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Memoirs, Movies, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities, The President Of The United States, Uncategorized
johnrieber 
Wow, what an incredible tribute. I’m ashamed to say I’m not very familiar with Goldman’s work but your post definitely piqued my interest. Thank you!
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His major accolades were decades ago, but with DVD and streaming, you can find them now…I forgot to mention but he also wrote the GREAT screenplay for “Misery”, which won Kathy Bates the Oscar for Best Actress!
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What an incredibly talented man. Butch Cassidy is one of my all time favorite films. Wonderful dialogue.
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Yes, a gifted writer of film, novels and non-fiction…a sad loss and I wanted to highlight some of his greatest work because with DVD and streaming you can see them all!
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Thank you for this posting.
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A beautiful tribute to a great man.
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Thank you for reading and commenting!
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My pleasure. Thank you!
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What a life! A fine tribute, John.
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As a film lover and Author you know how great his contribution to the craft was…thanks for your note…
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A large amount of important work indeed. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy.
Best wishes, Pete.
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