Marshall Brickman, the Oscar-winning screenwriter renowned for his prolific career spanning decades, has passed away at the age of 85. His death occurred on Friday in Manhattan, as confirmed by his daughter Sophie Brickman to The New York Times. The cause of death has not been disclosed. A master of both comedy and drama, Brickman’s work left a lasting impact on film, television, and theater.
He is perhaps best known for his decades-long collaboration with the legendary Woody Allen. Their partnership began with the 1973 film Sleeper, and together, they co-wrote some of the most celebrated films in cinematic history. These included Annie Hall (1977), Manhattan (1979), and Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). The screenplay for Annie Hall—widely considered one of the greatest comedies of all time—was groundbreaking for its nonlinear structure and sharp wit. Its success earned Brickman and Allen the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. In his acceptance speech, Brickman humorously referenced one of the film’s iconic lines, quipping, "I’ve been out here a week, and I still have guilt when I make a right turn on a red light." This moment encapsulated the neurotic, self-deprecating humor that defined much of Allen’s work.
Reflecting on the film’s lasting influence, Brickman said, “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 social-economic stratum." Their work together captured the cultural essence of New York in the 1970s, elevating the city’s streets, apartments, and relationships to iconic status in cinema.
Brickman’s journey in the entertainment industry began in the early 1960s, when he first met Woody Allen while Allen was establishing himself as a stand-up comedian. At the time, Brickman was part of the folk group the Tarriers, where he replaced Alan Arkin. One of the most unexpected twists of Brickman’s career occurred when the Tarriers’ album, which included the now-famous "Dueling Banjos," became part of the 1972 film Deliverance. The song’s inclusion marked a remarkable turn for Brickman, introducing him to a new aspect of the entertainment world.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1939, Brickman grew up in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn. His parents, Abram and Pauline Brickman, were Jewish socialists who had fled Poland during World War II. After attending the University of Wisconsin, where he studied science and music, Brickman ventured into show business. His early career saw him performing with the Tarriers, but it was his transition into writing that would define his legacy. By the late 1960s, he had become the head writer for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Brickman’s contributions to the show, including the popular "Carnac the Magnificent" sketches, were instrumental in shaping the comedic landscape of late-night television.
During his time with Carson, Brickman’s humor and writing helped to create some of television’s most enduring moments. The "Carnac" sketches, in which Johnny Carson played a mystic who could divine answers to unseen questions, became legendary. This role was one of Carson’s most beloved characters, and it cemented Brickman’s place in the annals of television comedy. Beyond The Tonight Show, Brickman contributed to a range of television projects, including Candid Camera, The Dick Cavett Show, and The Muppet Show. His versatility as a writer allowed him to excel in different genres and mediums, from late-night comedy to family-friendly entertainment.
While his work with Woody Allen was perhaps the most high-profile aspect of his career, Brickman also enjoyed success as a writer and director in film. His directorial debut, Simon (1980), starred Alan Arkin as a psychology professor who is brainwashed into believing he is from outer space. Brickman followed this with Lovesick (1983), a quirky comedy in which Alec Guinness played the ghost of Sigmund Freud. In 1986, he directed The Manhattan Project, a film about a high school student who constructs a nuclear weapon for a science project, further demonstrating his knack for blending intellectual themes with offbeat humor.
In the 2000s, Brickman turned his attention to Broadway, where he co-wrote the musical Jersey Boys, a biographical musical about the 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The show became a massive hit, running on Broadway for over 12 years from 2005 to 2017. It earned Brickman and his collaborator Rick Elice widespread acclaim for their compelling storytelling and sharp dialogue. The success of Jersey Boys introduced Brickman to a new generation of theatergoers and solidified his legacy as a creative force in multiple entertainment fields. In 2010, Brickman and Elice also co-wrote the Broadway musical The Addams Family, further showcasing his versatility and ability to bring quirky, offbeat characters to life on stage.
Brickman’s work across various media earned him a reputation as a writer who could balance intellectual depth with irreverent humor. His collaborations, particularly with Woody Allen, were groundbreaking in their approach to film, and his contributions to television comedy are still remembered fondly. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brickman’s personal life was marked by his close family ties. He is survived by his wife, Nina, his daughters Sophie and Jessica, and five grandchildren.
Marshall Brickman’s passing marks the end of an era for film, television, and theater, leaving behind a rich legacy of witty, thoughtful, and innovative work. His ability to combine humor with sharp social commentary made him one of the most respected and influential writers of his generation, and his contributions will continue to resonate in the world of entertainment for years to come.
