Michael-Blake-Obituary

Michael Blake

1945 - 2015 (Age 69)

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AGE
69

Obituary

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Michael Blake, the writer whose novel "Dances With Wolves" became a major hit movie and earned him an Academy Award for the screenplay, has died.

Blake, 69, died Saturday in Tucson, Arizona, after a long battle with cancer, his business partner, Daniel Ostroff, said.

Blake, who wrote several novels, is best known for "Dances With Wolves," which he wrote while broke at the urging of his longtime friend, the actor Kevin Costner. The novel was fairly unsuccessful, but it became a film after Costner asked Blake to adapt it into a movie. The book went on to sell 3.5 million copies after the success of the movie.

"Dances With Wolves," a Civil War epic about Army lieutenant who befriends a Native American tribe, won seven Academy Awards, including one for Blake for best adapted screenplay.

Despite his success, Blake was a humble man who passionately advocated for many causes, including literacy, Native American history and the disappearing of wild horses in the West, said his wife, Marianne Mortensen Blake.

"Well, he was probably one of the most generous people I've ever met. He was definitely one of the toughest guys I've ever met," Mortensen Blake said.

The couple met through the actor Viggo Mortensen, a close friend of Blake's and Mortensen Blake's cousin. They married in 1993 and have three teenage children, all named after Native Americans that the couple admires. Blake is also survived by his brother, Daniel Webb.

Mortensen Blake described her husband as a loving father who dedicated his life to helping others.

Blake was born in North Carolina and lived with his family in Texas before settling in southern California. He attended the University of New Mexico, but he left before graduating. The university now has an archive of his work at the student newspaper and other writings, Ostroff said.

Ostroff met Blake in 1988 and has worked with him on several occasions. He and Mortensen Blake are now bringing to life the sequel to "Dances With Wolves," a novel Blake wrote called "The Holy Road."

"In my experience, great visionary writers like Michael are often ahead of Hollywood and ahead of the audience by a generation. I think the best Michael Blake film adaptations are yet to come," Ostroff said.

Blake's most famous work, "Dances With Wolves," came at the urging of Costner, whom Blake befriended when he was a relatively unknown actor. Blake spent the next several years living out his car and on friends' couches while he wrote the novel that would become one of the most successful and well-received movies of the decade.

ASTRID GALVAN, Associated Press




Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Godspeed Michael, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Rest Michael, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

I did not know you personally, but I knew your brother Dan very well. And if you are even have the man that Dan is you must have been something spectacular. I knew Dan in Vegas, and we became extremely close. He was very proud of your movie Stacy's night, he took me to the preview. Unfortunately I have lost touch with Dan. But I have never forgotten him. Rest in peace, Dear Man.

I don't know if we are related, but I admire your work. You leave a wonderful legacy.

RIP
Thanks for Dances With Wolves. It's a treasure. And thanks for your friendship.

Though he wrote a fantastic book and screenpLay, there was SO MUCH MORE to him.
We used to talk about animals and the painful things life can bring. Through the whole time I knew him, he always kept a positive attitude. I will cherish the books gave me and the stories he told me.
Rest in peace my friend, you and Twelve are together again. My condolences to you Marianne, and your family.
NAN SORENSEN. Rincon Country Store.

I am so sorry to hear that cancer has taken the life of such a talented man. "Dancing With Wolves" was so well written and the acting complemented it accordingly. I could watch the movie over and over because it was so full of meaning. I am happy he was finally compensated for the masterpiece he shared. May the God of all comfort be with Michael's family helping loved ones and close friends to cope with their loss.

What a fantastic experience that gives hope and inspiration to those with goals and dreams. Condolences to the family, especially his wife and three children. I know it is extremely difficult carrying on day to day activities after such loss. May the love and memories you had for Michael be the give you the fortitude necessary at the right moment. "May God bless you and keep you"...Num 6:24-26.

Thank you for all your inspirations Michael. Now you and Mariachi can run free together.