Frank Pierson, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind such films as "Dog Day Afternoon" and "Cool Hand Luke" has died of natural causes at the age of 87. He was at a Los Angeles hospital at the time of his death.
Pierson got an Oscar nod for the script of the 1967 Paul Newman film, "Cool Hand Luke" and the 1965 western, "Cat Ballou." However, it was the script for Sidney Lumet's "Dog Day Afternoon," based on a real bank heist in Brooklyn, which finally got him the Oscar win.
Pierson most recently worked as a writer and consulting producer on TV's "Mad Men" and "The Good Wife." In addition, he served as president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science from 2001 to 2005.
The writer is survived by his wife Helene, his children, Michael and Eve, and five grandchildren. A private funeral for the family will be held this week.
by RTT Staff Writer
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