Marshall Brickman, the brilliant Oscar-winning screenwriter whose career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on Hollywood, passed away at the age of 85 on Friday in Manhattan. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Sophie Brickman, though the cause was not specified. Brickman’s legacy is vast, from co-writing some of Woody Allen’s most iconic films to shaping Broadway hits like Jersey Boys and contributing to memorable moments on The Tonight Show.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Jewish socialist parents who fled Poland during WWII, Marshall Brickman’s early life was shaped by an eclectic mix of cultural influences. His mother, Pauline Wolin, was from New York, and the family eventually settled in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood. Raised in an environment rich in social and intellectual engagement, Brickman would go on to carve a unique path in the entertainment industry. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with degrees in science and music, which laid the foundation for his creative career.
Before becoming a household name in screenwriting, Brickman’s first foray into the world of show business was as a banjo player for the folk group, the Tarriers. It’s a twist of fate that one of the band’s albums, recorded with his college roommate Eric Weissberg, would feature the iconic “Dueling Banjos” track, which later became famous as part of the 1972 film Deliverance. His time with the Tarriers marked the beginning of a long, varied career that would encompass writing, directing, and even comedy.
By the late 1960s, Brickman had transitioned to writing for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where he became head writer. One of his most beloved contributions to the show was the creation of the "Carnac the Magnificent" sketches. In these segments, Carson played a mystic from the East who could "divine" the answers to unseen questions, with Brickman’s sharp wit and clever writing providing a comedic goldmine. Beyond The Tonight Show, Brickman’s television career included stints with Candid Camera, The Dick Cavett Show, and The Muppet Show, cementing his status as a master of comedic writing.
However, it was his collaboration with Woody Allen that truly defined Marshall Brickman’s career. The two first met in the early 1960s when Allen was making a name for himself as a stand-up comedian. Brickman, who had been working on joke writing, joined Allen’s team, and together they went on to craft some of the most beloved films in cinematic history. The partnership began with Sleeper in 1973, but it was Annie Hall (1977) that made an unforgettable impact.
Annie Hall remains one of the most influential and widely praised comedies of all time, earning Brickman and Allen the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film’s script, known for its loose structure and quirky humor, continues to be celebrated for its unique voice and observational wit. In his acceptance speech, Brickman humorously referenced one of the film’s famous lines: “I’ve been out here a week, and I still have guilt when I make a right turn on a red light,” a reflection of the neurotic humor that defined both the film and the screenwriters’ partnership.
Brickman described Annie Hall in a 2017 interview with Vanity Fair, highlighting its ability to capture a very specific moment in time: “If the film is worth anything, it gives a very particular specific image of what it was like to be alive in New York at that time in that particular socio-economic stratum.” His words reflected the deep connection the film has with the cultural and social landscape of the time.
Beyond Annie Hall, Brickman and Allen collaborated on other notable films, including Manhattan (1979) and Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). Their creative partnership was marked by a balance of personalities, with Brickman’s support serving as a complement to Allen’s more autobiographical, often neurotic, material. Brickman once explained that collaboration works best when one voice dominates, a philosophy that helped shape their successful partnership.
While his work with Allen was undoubtedly a career-defining chapter, Brickman also made significant contributions as a director and playwright. In 1980, he wrote and directed Simon, a film starring Alan Arkin as a psychology professor who is brainwashed into believing he is from outer space. The film’s absurd yet thought-provoking premise showcased Brickman’s flair for blending humor and intellectual exploration. Brickman’s directorial career continued with films such as Lovesick (1983), featuring Alec Guinness as the ghost of Sigmund Freud, and The Manhattan Project (1986), a quirky film about a high school student who builds a nuclear bomb for a class project.
But perhaps one of the most exciting and successful endeavors of Brickman’s later career was his work on Broadway. As a co-writer of the hit musical Jersey Boys, Brickman helped bring the story of The Four Seasons to life in a way that resonated with audiences worldwide. The show ran for an incredible 12 years on Broadway, from 2005 to 2017, and went on to become a global phenomenon, also spawning a successful film adaptation. Alongside Rick Elice, Brickman also co-wrote The Addams Family musical in 2010, proving his versatility and enduring relevance in the world of entertainment.
Brickman’s work on Broadway was a natural extension of his creative vision, and his success in the theater world only added to his already impressive resume. His ability to adapt to different genres—from film to television to the stage—showcased his immense talent and his ability to connect with audiences across different mediums.
In his personal life, Marshall Brickman is survived by his wife, Nina, daughters Sophie and Jessica, and five grandchildren. His death marks the end of an era in which he helped shape some of the most iconic moments in comedy, film, and theater. His contributions to the entertainment world will continue to resonate for years to come, and his legacy as a storyteller, humorist, and creative visionary will not soon be forgotten.
Marshall Brickman’s life and work were a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and humor. His ability to infuse intellectual wit into his scripts, paired with his deep understanding of human nature, made him one of the great screenwriters and storytellers of his time. Whether through his iconic work with Woody Allen or his later achievements in Broadway theater, Brickman’s influence on the world of entertainment is undeniable, and his work will continue to entertain and inspire for generations.
Login