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Marshall Brickman, Acclaimed Screenwriter, Passes Away at 85

The entertainment industry is in mourning as news spreads of the passing of Marshall Brickman, the Oscar-winning screenwriter known for his collaborations with Woody Allen. Brickman, whose witty and insightful writing helped shape some of the most beloved films of the 20th century, died on Friday in Manhattan at the age of 85.

A Partnership That Defined an Era

Brickman’s most notable works emerged from his creative partnership with Woody Allen. Together, they penned the scripts for cinematic masterpieces such as Sleeper (1973), Annie Hall (1977), Manhattan (1979), and Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). Their collaboration on Annie Hall earned them the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, cementing their status as one of the most influential writing duos in Hollywood history.

There are many people making a living from comedy, but really authentically funny people, there aren’t a lot of them. I felt Marshall was an authentically funny person — a wonderful wit. He stood out from the crowd.

– Woody Allen, reflecting on his collaboration with Brickman

Allen, who rarely collaborated with other writers, spoke fondly of his time working with Brickman. “Those were special days for me,” he told the New York Times. “Writing films by myself is a much more spartan kind of thing. I’m alone.”

A Multifaceted Talent

Before his success as a screenwriter, Brickman had a diverse career in the entertainment industry. He began as a banjo player for the folk group The Tarriers, replacing Alan Arkin. Brickman’s quick wit and ability to engage audiences during tuning breaks caught the attention of Woody Allen, who hired him to write jokes for his standup routines.

Brickman’s talent for comedy writing led him to become the head writer for Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show in the late 1960s. There, he created some of the show’s most memorable sketches, including the beloved “Carnac the Magnificent” segments.

Solo Projects and Broadway Success

In addition to his collaborations with Allen, Brickman also wrote and directed several films on his own. These included Simon (1980), starring Alan Arkin as a brainwashed professor, Lovesick (1983), featuring Alec Guinness as the ghost of Sigmund Freud, and The Manhattan Project (1986), a satirical take on the nuclear arms race.

Brickman’s creative genius extended to the stage as well. He co-wrote the book for the hit Broadway musical Jersey Boys, which chronicled the rise of the 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The show ran for an impressive 12 years, earning numerous accolades. Brickman and his writing partner, Rick Elice, also penned the 2010 musical The Addams Family.

A Legacy That Will Endure

Marshall Brickman’s contributions to the worlds of film, television, and theater are immeasurable. His unique voice, sharp wit, and ability to craft stories that resonated with audiences will be sorely missed. As the entertainment community mourns his loss, it is clear that his legacy will endure through the timeless works he helped create.

Brickman is survived by his wife, Nina, daughters Sophie and Jessica, and five grandchildren. While his physical presence may be gone, his spirit will live on through the laughter and joy his words have brought to countless individuals around the world.