Marshall Brickman, Co-Writer of ‘Annie Hall,’ Dies at 85

Marshall Brickman, an Oscar-winning screenwriter best known for Annie Hall and a diverse creative force in film, television, and Broadway, died at the age of 85. His daughter, Sophie Brickman, announced his passing on Friday in Manhattan. No reason was given.

Brickman’s most celebrated collaboration was with Woody Allen, beginning with the 1973 film Sleeper. Together, they co-wrote Annie Hall (1977), which won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, Manhattan (1979), and Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). Reflecting on Annie Hall, Brickman said the film captures “what it was like to be alive in New York at that time.”

Brickman was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Jewish socialist parents. He grew up in Brooklyn. He received degrees in chemistry and music from the University of Wisconsin before joining the Tarriers to replace Alan Arkin. In his early career, he collaborated with his college roommate Eric Weissberg to create the Deliverance soundtrack standard “Dueling Banjos”.

In television, Brickman served as head writer for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, creating the enduring “Carnac the Magnificent” sketches. He also contributed to Candid Camera, The Dick Cavett Show, and The Muppet Show.

In addition to screenwriting, Brickman directed films including Simon (1980) and The Manhattan Project (1986). On Broadway, he co-wrote the smash-hit musical Jersey Boys and the 2010 musical The Addams Family with Rick Elice.

Brickman is survived by his wife, Nina, his daughters Sophie and Jessica, and five grandchildren.