Endru Bergman
USA- Biography of Andrew Bergman
- Education and Early Career
- Writing and Film Career
- Literary Contributions and Awards
- Personal Life
Biography of Andrew Bergman
Andrew Bergman is an American screenwriter, director, producer, and writer, known as "The Unknown King of Comedy" according to the New York Magazine in 1985. He was born on February 20, 1945, in Queens, New York City, to a columnist from the New York Daily News.
Education and Early Career
Bergman graduated from Harpur College (now Binghamton University) in 1965. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. in American history, specializing in Hollywood films of the Great Depression, from the University of Wisconsin in 1970. His dissertation, titled "We're In the Money: Depression America and Its Films," was published by NYU Press in 1971.
Writing and Film Career
Bergman gained a reputation as a progressive film historian and sociologist through his works. He wrote a book about the life of Golden Era Hollywood actor James Cagney, titled "James Cagney: The Pictorial Treasury of Film Stars."
As a popular figure among young intellectuals, Bergman was hired by United Artists as a public relations specialist. He then ventured into writing plays for Broadway productions, which eventually led to his first film screenplay for Mel Brooks' parody western "Blazing Saddles." Bergman collaborated with fellow writers to finalize the script.
After the success of his screenplay for "The In-Laws" in 1979, Bergman had the opportunity to direct his own satirical comedy, "So Fine," released in 1981. He later established his own production company with Michael Lobell and wrote screenplays and/or directed successful films such as "Fletch" (1985), "The Freshman" (1990), "Honeymoon in Vegas" and "It Could Happen to You" (1994), "Striptease" (1996) starring Demi Moore, and "Isn't She Great" (2000) starring Bette Midler.
Despite some failures, such as the cult classic "Soapdish" (1991) and his unsuccessful attempt at writing a genre parody, "Rhapsody of Crime," Bergman continued to contribute to the film industry as a versatile filmmaker.
Literary Contributions and Awards
Bergman is also an accomplished author, having written four novels: "The Big Kiss-Off of 1944," "Hollywood and LeVine," "Tender Is LeVine," and "Sleepless Nights." In 2007, he received the Ian McLellan Hunter Award for lifetime achievements from the Writers Guild of America.
Personal Life
Bergman resides in New York City with his wife, Louise Bergman, whom he married in 1973. They have two adult sons, Jacob Max Bergman and Teddy Bergman.
In recognition of his contributions, the University of Wisconsin established the Andrew Bergman History Writing Prize, which awards outstanding research papers by history students. The first prize is $1,250, followed by second and third prizes of $750. The prize emphasizes the importance of writing skills in historical research.
