Gloria Katz (October 25, 1942 – November 25, 2018) was an American screenwriter and film producer,[1] best known for her association with George Lucas. Along with her husband Willard Huyck, Katz created the screenplays of films including American Graffiti, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Howard the Duck.[1] Katz was Jewish.[2][3]
Gloria Katz | |
---|---|
Born | Los Angeles, California, U.S. | October 25, 1942
Died | November 25, 2018 Los Angeles, California, U.S. | (aged 76)
Occupation(s) | Screenwriter, Film producer |
Years active | 1973–1994 |
Spouse | |
Children | 1 |
Awards | National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Screenplay 1973 American Graffiti New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Screenplay 1973 American Graffiti |
Though uncredited, Katz and Huyck edited Lucas's Star Wars script as they acted as script doctors for Lucas. Katz and Huyck are responsible for much of the humor and development of the iconic Princess Leia in the Star Wars script.[4]
Katz was born in Los Angeles. She was Jewish.[5]
Katz died from ovarian cancer in 2018 at the age of 76, in her native Los Angeles.[6]
Year | Film | Writer | Producer | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1973 | Messiah of Evil | Yes | Yes | Also uncredited co-Director with Willard Huyck and uncredited actress; Role: Ticket Booth Zombie |
American Graffiti | Yes | No | ||
1975 | Lucky Lady | Yes | No | |
1979 | French Postcards | Yes | Yes | Also actress; Role: Chief Snail |
1984 | Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom | Yes | No | |
Best Defense | Yes | Yes | ||
1986 | Howard the Duck | Yes | Yes | |
1994 | Radioland Murders | Yes | No |
Year | Film | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1977 | Star Wars | Script doctor | Uncredited |
1979 | More American Graffiti | Based on characters created by | |
TBA |
Go West! | Special thanks |
Year | Title | Writer | Executive producer | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1988 | A Father's Homecoming | Yes | Yes | Television film |
1989 | Mothers, Daughters and Lovers | Yes | Yes |
Gloria is a Jewish Cinderella from Beverly Hills, and Willard is the ultimate WASP.