Marshall Brickman, Co-writer of Jersey Boys and Annie Hall, Dies at 85

Writer Marshall Brickman, whose notable hits include the film Annie Hall and the Broadway musical Jersey Boys, has died at the age of 85.

Born in Rio de Janeiro and raised in Brooklyn, Brickman originally set out to be a musician. A member of the Tarriers, he had an early career success with the 1963 album New Dimensions in Banjo and Bluegrass, playing alongside Eric Weissberg. Many of their songs would be reissued on the soundtrack for the film Deliverance. Brickman was also in a trio called the New Journeymen, alongside John Phillips and Michelle Phillips (following Brickman’s departure, that band became the Mamas & the Papas). In a well-known story, Brickman famously turned down an invitation to a party at the house of one of Phillips’s friends in 1969; the next day, he discovered that five people, including the actor Sharon Tate, had been murdered by the Manson family at the shindig.

At the same time, he had a bourgeoning writing career, penning bits for Allen Funt on Candid Camera and turning Johnny Carson into Carnac the Magnificent on The Tonight Show. He also worked on The Dick Cavett Show.

During that time, Brickman met Woody Allen, who would become his longtime collaborator. With Allen, Brickman penned the screenplays for the films Manhattan, Sleeper, the aforementioned Annie Hall, for which the pair would win an Oscar, and Manhattan Murder Mystery. Brickman was also on the writing teams for the Bette Midler film For the Boys and the second pilot for The Muppet Show, titled The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence.

With Rick Elice, Brickman penned the books for two Broadway musicals: Jersey Boys and The Addams Family. The former became an almost instant hit upon its New York premiere in 2005, telling the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from the perspectives of each member. They lost the Tony for Best Book to The Drowsy Chaperone, but won Best Musical instead, which led to an decadelong run at the August Wilson Theatre. The Addams Family, with a score by Andrew Lippa, was less successful on Broadway, with much backstage turmoil. However, that show since has become a staple in licensing for schools and theater groups.

Brickman married editor Nina Feinberg in 1973; she survives him, along with their children Sophie and Jessica, and five grandchildren.