Melissa Mathison

Melissa Mathison was an American screenwriter best known for writing the screenplay for the timeless science-fiction classic, E.T. She was born on June 3, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in a creative and artistic family.

Mathison's parents were working in the film industry, and her father was an Emmy-winning journalist. Her grandparents were also writers, and her aunt was a film editor. This family history inspired her to pursue a career in writing, and she graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in literature.

After college, Mathison landed a job as a production assistant for Francis Ford Coppola's film, The Godfather. She then wrote the screenplay for The Black Stallion, which received critical acclaim and launched her career as a screenwriter.

Mathison's talent and hard work led to many successful collaborations with renowned directors, including Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Frank Oz. However, she became a household name when she wrote the screenplay for E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. This iconic film earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay in 1982.

Mathison was known for her conscientious attitude towards storytelling and for her ability to infuse depth and humanity into her characters. She believed in the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people across cultures and generations.

Before becoming famous, Mathison faced various challenges, including a struggle with dyslexia, a learning disability that made reading and writing difficult. Despite this, she remained determined and passionate about pursuing her dreams.

Mathison was married twice in her lifetime. She was first married to actor Harrison Ford, and the two had two children together. They divorced in 2004. Mathison later married and had two more children with musician and film producer, Gavin Lambert.

Throughout her career, Mathison was highly regarded by her peers in the industry. She was known to be a close friend of filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who would later direct E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. She was also a mentor to many aspiring screenwriters, and her contributions to the film industry were celebrated by countless fans and colleagues.

Melissa Mathison passed away on November 4, 2015, after dealing with a long-term illness. Despite her passing, her legacy as a pioneering female screenwriter and storyteller continues to inspire people all over the world.