Playwright, Screenwriter. He is best known for his works which interpret the lives of ordinary people. He received a Pulitzer Prize for his drama "The Young Man from Atlanta," and won an Academy Award for his script adaptation of Harper Lee's acclaimed novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." Born in Wharton, Texas, he moved to California while a teen and studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse. After appearing in a few minor roles on stage, he turned to writing and made his Broadway theatre debut with "Only the Heart" (1944). During the early years of television, he wrote for such programs as "The Philco Television Playhouse," "Studio One" and "The DuPont Show of the Month." Among his other noteworthy stage credits are "Six O'Clock Theatre," "Two's Company" and "Dividing the Estate." His plays "The Chase," "The Travelling Lady" (film title "Baby the Rain Must Fall," 1965) and "The Trip to Bountiful" became successful motion pictures. He had further big screen writing credits with "Hurry Sundown" (1967), "Tender Mercies" (for which he received a second Academy Award, 1983) and "Convicts" (1991). He won an Emmy Award for his script of the television adaptation of "Old Man" (1997).
Playwright, Screenwriter. He is best known for his works which interpret the lives of ordinary people. He received a Pulitzer Prize for his drama "The Young Man from Atlanta," and won an Academy Award for his script adaptation of Harper Lee's acclaimed novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." Born in Wharton, Texas, he moved to California while a teen and studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse. After appearing in a few minor roles on stage, he turned to writing and made his Broadway theatre debut with "Only the Heart" (1944). During the early years of television, he wrote for such programs as "The Philco Television Playhouse," "Studio One" and "The DuPont Show of the Month." Among his other noteworthy stage credits are "Six O'Clock Theatre," "Two's Company" and "Dividing the Estate." His plays "The Chase," "The Travelling Lady" (film title "Baby the Rain Must Fall," 1965) and "The Trip to Bountiful" became successful motion pictures. He had further big screen writing credits with "Hurry Sundown" (1967), "Tender Mercies" (for which he received a second Academy Award, 1983) and "Convicts" (1991). He won an Emmy Award for his script of the television adaptation of "Old Man" (1997).
Bio by: C.S.
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