Academy Award winner Marshall Brickman, who co-wrote the books for Jersey Boys and The Addams Family, passed away November 29 at the age of 85, The New York Times reports. The news was confirmed by his daughter, Sophie Brickman.
Mr. Brickman was born August 25, 1939 in Rio de Janeiro to Abram Brickman and Pauline (Wolin) Brickman. The family moved to New York during World War II, and Mr. Brickman grew up in Flatbush. He was interested in music as a young man, and played guitar in the folk group The Tarriers, as well as banjo in the trio New Journeymen. Mr. Brickman attended the University of Wisconsin, and graduated with degrees in music and science.
By 1960, Mr. Brickman's writing career had started, and he was working for the hidden camera reality series Candid Camera. By 1969, he was serving as head writer for The Tonight Show, with Johnny Carson hosting.
While working as creative consultant and producer for The Dick Cavett Show, Mr. Brickman met Woody Allen, who would become a frequent collaborator. The pair wrote the script for Sleeper, a science fiction comedy which hit movie theatres in 1973. They would later collaborate again on the screenplays for Annie Hall (1977) and Manhattan (1979). Annie Hall won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Diane Keaton, Best Director for Allen, and Best Screenplay for Allen and Mr. Brickman.
While he may be best known for his work in film, Mr. Brickman wrote the books for Best Musical winner Jersey Boys and The Addams Family, both times working alongside Rick Elice. He also penned the book and contributed sketches for Straws in the Wind Off-Broadway. For Jersey Boys, Mr. Brickman and Elice were nominated for a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical.
Mr. Brickman is survived by his wife, Nina Feinberg, daughters Sophie and Jessica Brickman, and five grandchildren.