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William Goldman Net Worth: How Much Did He Make From His Successful Screenwriting and Novels?
William Goldman was an American author, playwright, and screenwriter known for his iconic works like the Oscar-winning screenplay for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”(1969) and “All the President’s Men”(1976). Born on August 12, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, Goldman passed away on November 16, 2018, leaving behind an impressive legacy. He is considered a pioneer in the field of screenwriting, with a writing career that spanned over six decades. During his lifetime, William Goldman amassed a sizable net worth through his successful career in writing novels and screenplays.
What was William Goldman’s net worth and salary in his later years?
William Goldman’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million at the time of his passing. He made a considerable amount of money through his successful writing career. He authored several best-selling novels, including “Marathon Man”, “The Princess Bride”, and “Heat”. He wrote screenplays for several famous movies, including “Misery”, “The Stepford Wives”, and “The General’s Daughter”. At the peak of his career, Goldman was earning a salary of around $1.5 million per screenplay.
What was William Goldman’s salary for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?
The writing of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” turned out to be a phenomenal success, and William Goldman’s screenplay earned him an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. From the movie, he earned a salary of about $400,000, which was a considerable amount of money for a screenplay at that time.
What is William Goldman’s most successful work?
William Goldman’s most successful work remains “The Princess Bride”. He wrote the novel in 1973 and later adapted it for the big screen in 1987. The novel and movie were critical and commercial successes and quickly became a cult classic. It is now regarded as one of the greatest comedy-fantasy love stories of all time.
What inspired William Goldman to become a writer?
William Goldman cited his passion for writing as his primary motivation to pursue a career in the field. He was inspired by his father, who was an author himself, and grew up with a love of literature. In an interview, he said that he was always interested in storytelling and felt that writing gave him a way to express himself creatively.
What were William Goldman’s earliest writings?
William Goldman’s early writings were primarily works of fiction. His first published novel was “The Temple of Gold” (1957), which he wrote while still in college. He also wrote several plays, including “Blood, Sweat, and Stanley Poole”, which was a commercial success. However, it was his writing for Hollywood that made him a household name.
Early Life and Education of William Goldman
William Goldman was born in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, Illinois, to Maurice and Marion Goldman. He attended Oberlin College, where he graduated with a degree in English in 1952. After spending a couple of years in the army, Goldman attended Columbia University, where he took a graduate degree in English.
What were William Goldman’s interests in his early years?
Early on, William Goldman developed an interest in literature, and he spent much of his youth reading books. He was particularly drawn to science fiction and fantasy novels, which he said stimulated his imagination. He was also an avid movie watcher and appreciated the art of storytelling that cinema offered.
How did William Goldman get his big break in Hollywood?
Goldman credits his big break to the success of his novel “Soldier in the Rain”. The book was optioned by MGM, and Goldman was hired to write the screenplay. Although the movie was not a commercial success, it helped to establish his reputation as a screenwriter.
Career of William Goldman
William Goldman earned a reputation as a versatile writer over the course of his career. He was often called upon to write scripts for a wide range of genres, including comedy, drama, mystery, and horror. In addition to his screenplays and novels, he also wrote articles for magazines and newspapers.
What were William Goldman’s greatest contributions to the film industry?
William Goldman’s greatest contribution to the film industry was his ability to craft memorable stories that were both entertaining and thought-provoking. His screenplays were filled with sharp dialogue, interesting characters, and clever plot twists that kept audiences engaged. He not only wrote some of the most iconic films in Hollywood history but also helped to establish a standard for how screenplays should be written.
What was William Goldman’s approach to screenwriting?
William Goldman’s approach to screenwriting was based on the idea that the screenplay should be as compelling to read as the finished film was to watch. He believed that a good screenplay should be a mix of both art and commerce. Goldman also emphasized the importance of structure in screenwriting and believed that every good story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Personal Life of William Goldman
William Goldman was married twice. His first marriage was to Ilene Jones, with whom he had two daughters. After his divorce from Jones, he married Susan Burden in 1961, with whom he had two more daughters. Goldman was notoriously private about his personal life and rarely spoke about his relationships or family in the public sphere.
Did William Goldman ever have any public feuds with fellow writers?
William Goldman was known for his outspoken nature and had several public feuds with fellow writers throughout his career. He famously clashed with director Rob Reiner over the casting of “The Princess Bride” and was highly critical of fellow screenwriter Joe Eszterhas, whom he called “the devil incarnate.”
Was William Goldman considered to be a difficult person to work with?
William Goldman was known for his perfectionism and attention to detail, which sometimes made him difficult to work with. However, many of his collaborators admired him for his dedication to his craft and his ability to bring out the best in people.
Illness and Death of William Goldman
William Goldman battled a long illness in his later years. He died on November 16, 2018, at the age of 87. News of his passing was met with an outpouring of grief from friends, fans, and fellow writers.
What was the cause of William Goldman’s death?
The exact cause of William Goldman’s death was not disclosed. However, it is known that he had been in failing health for some time before his passing.
How did the industry respond to William Goldman’s passing?
The industry responded with sadness and reverence for William Goldman’s immense contributions to cinema. Many prominent filmmakers, writers, and actors took to social media to pay tribute to his legacy, with some calling him one of the greatest screenwriters of all time.
Real Estate of William Goldman
William Goldman was a private person, and little is known about his real estate holdings. However, it is believed that he lived in a comfortable home in New York City’s Upper East Side.
Did William Goldman ever own any vacation properties?
It is not known whether William Goldman ever owned any vacation properties. However, he was known to be a frequent traveler and frequently visited locations around the world.
Did William Goldman have any charitable foundations or organizations?
William Goldman was known for his philanthropy and was involved with several charitable organizations throughout his life. Some of the organizations that he supported included the Leukemia Society of America, the American Cancer Society, and the New York Public Library.
The Legacy of William Goldman
William Goldman’s tremendous contributions to cinema and literature have earned him a permanent place in the pantheon of great writers. His screenplays and novels continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
What is the significance of William Goldman’s legacy?
William Goldman’s legacy is significant because he helped to redefine the role of the screenwriter in Hollywood. He showed that screenwriters could be creative, intellectual, and impactful, and that their work was just as essential to the filmmaking process as the work of directors and actors.
What was William Goldman’s impact on the craft of screenwriting?
William Goldman’s impact on the craft of screenwriting was profound. He helped to establish a standard for how screenplays should be written and emphasized the importance of structure, character development, and narrative arc. His work has continued to inspire new generations of screenwriters long after his passing.
What was William Goldman’s most enduring contribution to the film industry?
William Goldman’s most enduring contribution to the film industry was his ability to craft stories that resonated with audiences. His screenplays were filled with memorable characters, sharp dialogue, and clever plot twists that made his work stand out. His legacy will continue to be felt in Hollywood for many years to come.
