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Melissa Mathison
1950 - 2015
Melissa Mathison
1950 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1950
DIED
2015
Melissa Mathison Obituary
She recently reunited with Spielberg to write the screenplay for Roald Dahl adaptation “The BFG,” which is in post-production. Mathison, who was married to Harrison Ford from 1983 to 2004, had two children with the actor, Malcolm and Georgia.
Spielberg, who worked closely with Mathison on the concept for the film partially inspired by his parents’ divorce, said in a statement Wednesday, “Melissa had a heart that shined with generosity and love and burned as bright as the heart she gave E.T.”
She also wrote the screenplay for Martin Scorsese’s 1997 “Kundun,” during which she started a friendship with the film’s subject, the Dalai Lama.
She had a particular skill for adapting children’s literature, including the classic novel “The Indian in the Cupboard” for Kennedy-Marshall Productions. She also wrote screenplays for “The Escape Artist,” a segment in the “Twilight Zone” movie as well as the TV movie “Son of the Morning Star.”
Mathison was born in Los Angeles and attended U.C. Berkeley.
39 Entries
Et Fan
July 13, 2025
I just watched you and Steven’s Masterpiece. E.T. The beauty of this movie will shine for eternity. And thank you for it. Now the galaxy is yours to behold
September 14, 2019
In honourable memory....
Karen & Bobby Veitch
November 5, 2015
Our deepest and heart felt condolences to the family.
How you can show support
R R
November 13, 2015
May the God of comfort give the Mathison familycomfort and peace.
John11:11-14
Sandy Crompton Selma
November 12, 2015
RIP my Childhood Friend I called "Missy". We were BFF's in elementary school in Hollywood! Even in her youth she was SO SMART and SO FUNNY! Entertain the Angels in Heaven with your Loving and Whimsical Stories! Condolences to the Mathison and Ford Families.... Love from Sandy Crompton Selma formerly from the Hollywood Hills area...❤❤❤❤❤
Harry Simpson
November 11, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
cianna ruble
November 10, 2015
loved E.T and all her work, actually. she'll be missed and loved. rest in peace, melissa.
Cheryl Bean
November 10, 2015
Prayers for all her many friends, family and fans!!
michelle plakas-kaiser
November 8, 2015
rip
November 8, 2015
Sincere condolences to you all. Life is eternal and you will see her again. May your faith sustain you during this difficult time.
J. Pompi
South Carolina
J
November 8, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 7, 2015
Please accept my condolences sorry for your loss' Matthew 11:28,29,30, (a source of comfort)
Cindy
November 7, 2015
God bless Melissa Mathison's children and all family members. My condolences to all. She made many children and families very happy with her amazing talent and won't be forgotten. Rest with God Melissa. Amen
November 7, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family.
May the God of compassion, shower the
family with strength to cope with
the loss of your dear beloved one.
May the family forever cherish the
beautiful and precious moments
shared together.
During the days ahead may he comfort
you, and shower you with his love
and compassion.
My heartfelt prayers are with the family.
(Psalms 121)
TE, Louisiana
November 7, 2015
Beloveds, I know Melissa will truly be missed. May our Heavenly Father give you strength and bless you with peace during this difficult time. Psalms29:11
November 7, 2015
My condolences to your family. Please find comfort in the memories you have of Melissa and may it help to ease the pain you are feeling. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.
November 6, 2015
i wish i could have known her. God bless to her and her family and friends.
VSW
November 6, 2015
Condolences to the family and friends. May you experience the comfort that God gives to those that suffer the loss of one so dear.
November 6, 2015
Thank you for E.T. This movie will forever touch hearts. My deepest condolences to her family.
Andrea
November 6, 2015
To the family and friends of Melissa Mathison, deeply sorry for your loss. Times like these can be very difficult so pray constantly. Phillipians 4:6-7 admonishes us to throw our anxiety on our Heavenly Father he in turn will strengthen you and place peace upon your mind and heart. I hope you all are able to find comfort and heal very soon.
J
November 6, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jamie Peterson
November 5, 2015
The movie E.T. is one of those classic movie that always will be remembered and watched for many generations. As her family tries to continue forward may you remember Gods promise in Philippians 4:6,7 " Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts".
V H
November 5, 2015
Our prayers and condolences go out to the Families and Friends of Melissa Mathison and Harrison Ford. Our family really enjoyed the talents of Melissa in the movie of "ET". We would watch that movie over and over again and it never gets old. Cherish all the many memories and joyful times that you all have spent together. May God Almighty continue to give you strength, courage, and peace in the days ahead. Isa. 41:10, 13
November 5, 2015
My children and I enjoyed watching E.T. together. We applaude Mrs. Mathison's talent. Although your hearts may be breaking, I pray that in the days and weeks ahead you will find peace.
November 5, 2015
Mindy, our deepest condolences to you and all your family on the loss of your sister. Peace and Grace to you all.
Connie Lewis
Jane Dowling
November 5, 2015
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
November 5, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Scott Chamberland
November 5, 2015
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
November 5, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
November 5, 2015
Condolences to the Mathison and Ford
families. May God provide an abundance
of peace and comfort to strengthen
and sustain you at this time of your
sorrow.
November 5, 2015
From the moment Melissa Mathison wrote the screenplay for the movie "E.T.", she stole our hearts with her talent and great imagination. It's unfortunate that we won't be able to continue enjoying of her creativity... My sincere condolences to her children and family for the loss of their beloved mother and friend. May they continue to cherish the good memories they all enjoyed together, and may our Heavenly Father become their Source of strength to help each one of them to endure their loss - for He promises to become a Stronghold to those with a broken heart...
Tammy Davis
November 5, 2015
My condolence go out to the family of Melissa Mathison.
Adrian Barnette
November 5, 2015
We'll miss you !
Sheila
November 5, 2015
God bless you Melissa and all those who love you. Rest in Peace.
sally margaret sewell turner
November 4, 2015
Heaven just got one of the all time best story tellers back. We who are left behind are so grateful for Ms. Mathison's life and the brilliant works she left us. May her loved ones be comforted with the peace of Christ which surpasses all human understanding. God bless you all. Thank you for sharing this lovely woman with us.
J. Lewis
November 4, 2015
Mathison and Ford family, my sincere condolences to you for the loss of Melissa. Our Heavenly Father has promised to be "our refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress". May you draw close to Him for the needed support during this difficult time.
DS
November 4, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
D Tyler
November 4, 2015
DMy sincere condolences to the (Mathison) Ford family. May your family remember all the accomplishments she accomplished and all the happy shared memories , most importantly God's word can offer us so much encouragement doing difficult times. Philippians4:6-7.
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