Robert Getchell

Biography

​Robert Getchell (December 6, 1936 – October 21, 2017) was a distinguished American screenwriter celebrated for his compelling character-driven narratives and adept adaptations. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he earned an English degree from the University of Missouri in 1965. Following a period as a freelance writer and literature professor, Getchell transitioned into screenwriting, marking the beginning of a notable career in film and television.​

His screenwriting debut, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), directed by Martin Scorsese, garnered critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The film's success led to the creation of the television sitcom Alice (1976–1985), which Getchell developed, further cementing his influence in the entertainment industry.​

Getchell's talent for adaptation was evident in Bound for Glory (1976), a biographical film about folk singer Woody Guthrie, which earned him a second Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. His versatility was showcased in projects like Mommie Dearest (1981), a controversial portrayal of actress Joan Crawford's life, which, despite its intent as a serious drama, became a cult classic and received a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screenplay.​

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Getchell continued to contribute to cinema with screenplays for films such as Sweet Dreams (1985), Stella (1990), Point of No Return (1993), This Boy’s Life (1993), and The Client (1994). Collectively, his works amassed over $223 million at the global box office, reflecting both commercial success and audience appeal..

In recognition of his contributions, Getchell received several accolades, including a BAFTA Award for Best Screenplay for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore in 1976. After concluding his screenwriting career in the mid-1990s, he returned to academia, sharing his expertise in English literature until his passing in Monterey, California, in 2017.​