Bob Randall (writer)

Bob Randall
Born
Stanley B. Goldstein

(1937-08-20)August 20, 1937
New York City, New York, U.S.
DiedFebruary 11, 1995(1995-02-11) (aged 57)
New Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
Occupation(s)Screenwriter, novelist
Years active1972–1995

Bob Randall (born Stanley Goldstein; August 20, 1937 – February 11, 1995) was an American screenwriter, playwright, novelist, and television producer.

Biography

Randall was born Stanley Goldstein[1] on August 20, 1937 in the Bronx borough of New York City.[2][3] Prior to becoming a writer, Randall worked as an advertising copywriter.[1]

In 1977, Randall had his only screen acting role as J. M. Bedford in the short-lived television comedy series On Our Own, which he also created.[4] The same year, Randall published the thriller novel The Fan, about an aging actress stalked by a psychotic young man.[5] The novel won an Edgar Award for Best First Novel, and was adapted into the 1981 feature film of the same name starring Lauren Bacall and Michael Biehn.[2]

In 1984, Randall began producing the network series Kate & Allie, and also served as a writer of 34 episodes. Randall later wrote the screenplay for the television film David's Mother (1994), which earned him one Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries and a further three nominations in the same category.[6]

Death

Randall died in New Milford, Connecticut on February 11, 1995, aged 57, of AIDS-related illness.[7] He was survived by Gary Pratt, his partner of 15 years.[2]

Bibliography

Novels

  • The Fan (1977)
  • The Next (1981)
  • The Calling (1983)
  • The Last Man on the List (1990)

Plays

Filmography

Year Title Writer Producer Notes Ref.
1977 On Our Own No No Acting role: J. M. Bedford (21 episodes) [4]
1984–1989 Kate & Allie Yes Yes Television series; 37 episodes [2]
1994 David's Mother Yes No

Accolades

Award Year Category Nominated work Outcome Ref.
Primetime Emmy Award 1984 Outstanding Comedy Series Kate & Allie Nominated [6]
1985 Nominated
1986 Nominated
1994 Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries David's Mother Won

References

  1. ^ a b Roberts, Jerry (2003). The Great American Playwrights on the Screen: A Critical Guide to Film, Video, and DVD. New York City, New York: Applause Books. p. 437. ISBN 978-1-557-83512-3.
  2. ^ a b c d "Bob Randall; Dramatist, TV writer". Los Angeles Times. February 18, 1995. Archived from the original on August 21, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  3. ^ "Bob Randall". Internet Broadway Database. Archived from the original on August 21, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle F. (2009). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. New York City, New York: Random House. p. 1015. ISBN 978-0-307-48320-1.
  5. ^ Hanson, Holly (April 16, 1977). "An intriguing tale of a movie star and a psychopath". The Daily Herald. p. 74 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b "Bob Randall". Emmys.com. Archived from the original on August 21, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  7. ^ "Bob Randall, 57, TV producer and Broadway playwright". The New York Times. February 14, 1995. Archived from the original on August 21, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.