logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

William D Wittliff, 'Legends of the Fall' Screenwriter, Dies at 79

Cheryl Kahla
Jun 11, 2019
01:22 A.M.

The acclaimed screenwriter and author of "Lonesome Dove," "Legends of the Fall," and "The Perfect Storm," William D. Wittliff, passed away over the weekend.

Advertisement

The news was confirmed today when Hector Saldana of the Texas State University told Hollywood Reporter that Wittliff died of a heart attack on June 9.

Wittliff and his wife, attorney Sally Wittliff, celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary just one day before his death.

Advertisement

The couple met in 1964, shortly after Wittliff graduated from the University of Texas. Together, they founded the book publishing company, The Encino Press.

In addition to his wife, Wittliff is survived by his children, William and Allison, and several grandchildren, as well as his brother James.

The acclaimed screenwriter made his directorial debut with "Country" in 1984, followed by "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Barbarosa" in the seventies. Willie Nelson starred in both films.

From left to right: Jim Parrack, Emilio Aragón, Angie Cepeda, William D. Wittliff, and Robert Duvall attend the screening of 'A Night In Old Mexico' during the 2014 SXSW Festival. Photo: Getty Images

From left to right: Jim Parrack, Emilio Aragón, Angie Cepeda, William D. Wittliff, and Robert Duvall attend the screening of 'A Night In Old Mexico' during the 2014 SXSW Festival. Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

Wittliff became a household name in the early nineties when he wrote the screenplay for "Lonesome Dove" and "Legends of the Fall."

He founded the Wittliff Collection of Southwestern and Mexican Photography in 1996. Wiffliff's photography collection is the most extensive body of work of Southwestern materials.

Wittliff was inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2014, both Witfliff and Sally were awarded honorary Doctor of Letters degrees by the Texas State University.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Prince William Does Not Want More Kids After Fathering 3 Even Though Kate Middleton Is ‘Broody’

March 05, 2022

Tom Brady & Pregnant Bridget Moynahan Split - She Wed Husband at Secret Ceremony 9 Years Later

February 20, 2022

Kate Middleton Is Reportedly ‘Stricter’ than Prince William & Has Own ‘Rules’ for Their Kids That ‘Work Well’

February 14, 2022

Ron Howard Was Most Concerned about His Kids' Values — Inside His Decision to Protect Them

April 26, 2022

'Yellowstone' star Taylor Sheridan's Enduring 8-Year Marriage with Wife Who Left Her Career & Moved with Him

February 07, 2022

Mick Jagger Seduced His Kids' Nanny & Cheated with Her on His Wife Who Was in the Next Room

March 09, 2022

How Did Country Singer Mickey Gilley, Who Helped Inspire ‘Urban Cowboy,’ Pass Away at 86?

May 09, 2022

Eric Braeden & His Wife Had Only One Child Together — See Pics of the 'Y&R' Veteran Star's Family

January 25, 2022

Camilla Alves McConaughey & Husband Longed to Be Parents from a Young Age — Their Kids Have Hearts 'Full of Kindness'

March 22, 2022

Debra Winger Still Saves White Dress from 1st Wedding as It Felt 'Electrifying' Wearing It for Her 2nd Husband

March 15, 2022

James Drury Died Months after Wife of 40 Years – He Had Several Heartbreaks before His 'Wonderful Marriage'

March 02, 2022

Paul Newman’s 50-Year Marriage Started at the Expense of His Relationship with His 1st Wife

February 02, 2022

George H W Bush’s Wife of 76 Years ‘Married the First Man’ She Ever Kissed — Inside Their Marriage

April 10, 2022

George Strait 'Eloped' with His 'Really Hot' Wife — 51 Years Later They 'Still Like Each Other'

December 05, 2022