Budd Shulberg Dies at 95

Budd Schulberg, Author, Boxing correspondent and Oscar winning screenwriter has died on the 5th August 2009 at the age of 95.

He was rushed to Peconic Bay Medical Centre to try and revive him, after he died of natural causes in his home on Long Island, according to his wife he was pronounced dead at the medical centre late afternoon/early evening, after unsuccessful attempts.

Schulberg grew up in Hollywood, where his father was the head of paramount pictures. He published his first novel in 1941 ‘What Makes Sammy Run’ which was about a paper boy. His credits include Humphrey Bogarts ‘The Harder They Fall’, and quite possibly his most famous achievement, ‘On The Waterfront’. On the waterfront starred Marlon Brando as a boxer battling a corrupt union, and won eight academy awards including one for Schulberg.

He had enemies as well as friends, though, including the head of MGM and famously John Wayne, who feuded with him for decades.

He also was elected into the boxing hall of fame in 2002, as the former chief boxing correspondent at Sports Illustrated magazine.

Schulberg is survived by his fourth wife Betsey Langman and their two children Benn and Jessica. The news came as a shock to all three of them, naturally.