Winston Groom — writer of “Forrest Gump,” the guide that impressed the Academy Award-winning movie of the identical identify — died on Thursday. He was 77.
Mayor Karin Wilson of Fairhope, Alabama, the place Groom lived, shared the information of his passing in a Facebook submit.
“It is with great sadness that I share the passing of our dear friend Winston Groom,” Wilson wrote. “The City of Fairhope has lost an iconic author today. Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts and prayers.”
It is with nice unhappiness that I share the passing of our expensive buddy Winston Groom. The City of Fairhope has misplaced an…
Posted by Mayor Karin Wilson of Fairhope, Alabama on Thursday, September 17, 2020
First written by Groom in 1986, “Forrest Gump” would go on to develop into his best-selling novel, with 1.7 million copies bought. The novel was tailored right into a blockbuster movie in 1994, starring Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise and Robin Wright. “Forrest Gump” would go on to win six Academy Awards in 1995, together with a Best Actor statuette for star Tom Hanks, and Best Director for Robert Zemeckis.
Winston Groom later printed a sequel in 1995 titled. “Gump and Co.”
Born Mar. 23, 1944 in Washington, D.C., Groom was raised in Mobile County, Alabama. He turned to novel writing in faculty and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1965 with a level in English earlier than serving 4 years within the United States Army, together with a tour in Vietnam.
After Groom returned stateside, he turned a reporter for the Washington Star earlier than specializing in writing novels full time. Groom moved to New York City the place he completed his first novel set within the Vietnam War, “Better Times Than These,” which was printed in 1978.
A University of Alabama alumnus, Winston Groom additionally complied and wrote the 2000 University of Alabama Press guide, “The Crimson Tide: An Illustrated History of Football at the University of Alabama,” and an up to date 2010 second model, “The Crimson Tide: The Official Illustrated History of Alabama Football, National Championship Edition.”
Groom is survived by his spouse, Susan.
Hollywood’s Notable Deaths of 2020 (Photos)
David Stern
The former longtime commissioner of the NBA died Jan. 1 following a mind hemorrhage, in accordance with a assertion from present NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. He was 77.
Andrew Burkle
Andrew Burkle, an aspiring movie producer and the son of billionaire Ron Burkle, died Jan. 6 in his Beverly Hills dwelling, in accordance with People Magazine. He was 27.
Silvio Horta
Silvio Horta, creator of ABC comedy sequence “Ugly Betty,” was discovered useless in a Miami motel room Jan. 7. He was 45.
Neil Peart
The drummer and lyricist for the ’70s and ’80s Canadian progressive rock band Rush died on Jan. 7, in accordance with the band’s Twitter account. He was 67.
Harry Hains
Harry Hains, an actor and producer who had appeared on “American Horror Story: Hotel,” “The OA,” “Sneaky Pete” and “The Surface,” died on Jan. 7. He was 27.
Buck Henry
The actor-screenwriter-director who co-created “Get Smart,” co-wrote “The Graduate” and co-directed the hit 1978 Warren Beatty movie “Heaven Can Wait” died on Jan. eight in Los Angeles. He was…