Richard Brooks

Richard Brooks (May 18, 1912 – March 11, 1992) was an American screenwriter, film director, novelist, and film producer. He was best known for his work on films such as Blackboard Jungle (1955), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), Elmer Gantry (1960; Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay), In Cold Blood (1967), and Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977). Born as Reuben Sax to Russian Jewish immigrants, Brooks grew up in Philadelphia. He attended public schools and briefly studied journalism at Temple University before pursuing his career in the film industry. Throughout his career, he received eight Oscar nominations for his work. Richard Brooks passed away on March 11, 1992.