William Goldman might not have been a household name, but his novels and screen adaptations of famous works will long be remembered. He died at 87 in New York City on November 16, so noted USA Today. Two of his best-known film works include “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “All the President’s Men.”

The latter film was about Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who scooped the story of the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon and the mysterious source known at the time only as Deep Throat.

Both Movies delivered not only at the box office but also Oscars for Goldman.

Screenwriter worked with many A-List stars

Stars such as Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier, Anthony Hopkins, Hal Holbrook, James Caan, Kathy Bates, Robin Wright, and Mandy Patinkin brought his words and his screen treatments to life. In the process, giving audiences unforgettable performances – some which were so creepy, like Kathy Bates in Stephen King's “Misery,” a role that garnered the actress an Oscar.

Goldman has a long list of credits to his name and, now, his legacy.

In addition to the previously cited films, he also injected life into “The Princess Bride,” “A Lion in Winter,” “The Great Waldo Pepper,” and, of course, “The Stepford Wives.”

Humble even with track record of success

Along with success as a screenwriter, came a demand for his work.

While he easily could have taken up his craft and done so in the comfort of a home office, Goldman preferred to work in a New York City office, National Public Radio (NPR) reported. Goldman made the trip to his office “five to seven days” each week. His reasoning for doing so was humbling and served as a reminder that his work was no more important than, say, “an insurance man or a businessman.”

While he also could have set up a posh shop in or near Hollywood, Goldman preferred working in New York.

He loved the city. Instead, he would board a flight for Los Angeles, California, when a meeting with directors or producers necessitated travel.

‘Follow the money’ penned by writer

Of course, accompanying the body and breadth of work that Goldman’s career blanketed there are one-liners that will also stick with people. One such line was a mere three words Goldman penned for “All the President’s Men.” The aspect that many people are said not to realize is that the words were not included in the book by Woodward and Bernstein. “Follow the money” flowed from Goldman’s creative mind to become a most quotable phrase, according to USA Today.

Director fortunate to have ‘friend and mentor’

Director Ron Howard, an Oscar winner as well, remembers Goldman as “"one of the greatest most successful screenwriters ever.” He further stated that he was most fortunate to consider Goldman both a “friend and a mentor,” according to USA Today.

Goldman’s daughter, Jenny Goldman, confirmed to media agencies that her father died as a result of “complications from colon cancer and pneumonia,” Variety reported. Howard, who directed “Apollo 13,” suggests that people” check out Goldman’s credits then spend some time reading his books or seeing his movies during the holiday,” USA Today relayed.

Additional notable people who recently died and who leave behind a lot of entertainment credits include Roy Clark and Stan Lee. Be sure to follow Blasting News for the latest information.
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