Celebrated screenwriter Bo Goldman, known for his poignant and insightful scripts, passed away at the age of 90 in Helendale, California. His son-in-law, director Todd Field, confirmed the news, although the specific cause of death remains undisclosed.

Goldman's journey to Hollywood success was a testament to perseverance. After years of striving as a playwright, his breakthrough came in his 40s with the adaptation of Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" in 1975. The film, starring Jack Nicholson, garnered numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay for Goldman and Lawrence Hauben. Five years later, Goldman received his second Oscar for "Melvin and Howard," a captivating tale based on the life of Melvin Dummar, who claimed to be an heir of Howard Hughes.

Goldman's body of work extended beyond these acclaimed pieces, encompassing the family drama "Shoot the Moon," the Bette Midler vehicle "The Rose," and Al Pacino's "Scent of a Woman." He was esteemed among his peers, including renowned screenwriters like Billy Wilder and Paddy Chayefsky. Goldman considered himself a dramatist who happened to work in film, emphasizing his desire to portray characters authentically and capture the essence of their lives on screen.

Born Robert Spencer Goldman in New York City in 1932, his early life was marked by his father's fluctuating fortunes, from immense wealth to financial ruin during the Great Depression. Goldman's passion for writing blossomed at Princeton University, where he contributed to the theater troupe, the Princeton Triangle Club. After serving in the Pacific during World War II, he embarked on a career in theater, achieving initial success with his play "First Impressions." However, subsequent projects proved challenging, leading to years of financial hardship.

Bo Goldman, center, protests alongside Richard Brooks and Gore Vidal at a Writers Guild of America strike, Los Angeles, June 25, 1981. (AP Photo/Wally Fong, File)

Goldman's fortunes turned after writing "Shoot the Moon," a script that initially faced rejection but eventually caught the attention of Miloš Forman. Forman, impressed by Goldman's writing, hired him to adapt "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," launching Goldman's successful film career.

Following the triumph of "Cuckoo's Nest," Goldman wrote "The Rose" and then his Oscar-winning "Melvin and Howard." He contributed to other projects, including "Little Nikita," and provided uncredited work on films like "Ragtime" and "The Flamingo Kid." His final credit was a story contribution to Warren Beatty's 2016 film "Rules Don't Apply."

Goldman's unique talent was recognized by fellow screenwriter Eric Roth, who commended his originality, social commentary, and subtle yet powerful expression of the human condition. Goldman resided in Rockport, Maine, and experienced the loss of his son, Jesse, in 1981 and his wife in 2017. He is survived by four daughters, a son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His work continues to resonate with audiences and inspire aspiring screenwriters.

Reflecting on his career, Goldman often spoke about the arduous nature of screenwriting and the constant struggle to maintain artistic integrity in the face of studio pressures. Despite the challenges, he maintained a sense of humility and gratitude for his accomplishments, consistently expressing surprise at his own success.