LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Oscar-winning screenwriter of "Dog Day Afternoon" and "Cool Hand Luke" has died.
Frank Pierson's family says he died of natural causes Monday in Los Angeles after a short illness. He was 87.
He won an Oscar for writing 1975's "Dog Day Afternoon" and was nominated for his screenplays for "Cool Hand Luke" and "Cat Ballou." He wrote and directed 1976's "A Star is Born."
He most recently worked as a writer and consulting producer on TV's "Mad Men" and "The Good Wife."
Pierson served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which released the news of his death Monday, from 2001 to 2005 and served as governor of its writers branch for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, two children and five grandchildren.
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Have only just learnt about franks death. I worked for. Frank and Polly In London when he was filming Cool Hand Luke. My heart felt condolences to Polly, Mike and Evie.
Wendy Robinso
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Wendy Robinson
February 12, 2013 | Avenel! Australia
Lizard Island!
So sorry Helene for your loss. Fond memories. I lost Victor in 2008. Wish you peace.
Rei
September 23, 2012
I worked with Frank on "Soldier's Girl", and it was an honor. He was a straight shooter, and a breath of fresh air. Rest in Peace Frank, glad I got to know you for a short while.
Ernie Mannix
July 25, 2012
We never knew Mr. Pierson but his character creations and their seemingly innocuous lines have endured through 4 generations of this family...my adult children still cringe when we suggest they "Spend a night in the box" and I have often been corrected by my film-editor son and film-critic son-in-law: "Dad - not A failure to communicate, just failure to communicate...get it?" Now when we discover Mr. Pierson consulted on MM and TGW, we know why these shows are top-rated. Thank you, Sir, for...
Lorenzo Giasoni
July 24, 2012 | Seattle, WA
My husband can watch " Cool Hand Luke " over and over everytime its on....R.I.P. our Condolences to your family....
The Hayes Family
July 24, 2012 | Louisville, KY
R.I.P.
Karen Jablonski
July 24, 2012 | Moreno Valley, CA
Our thoughts and prayers are with Frank Pierson's family, friends, and fans. We can all look forward to a time when there will no longer be announcements of death and tears of sorrow will be no more.
Tom Smith
July 24, 2012 | MD