Two-time Emmy award winning screenwriter William Blinn, best known for his work in renowned projects Brian’s Songs and Roots and the Prince film Purple Rain, has died at 83.
The news of his passing away was shared by his daughter Anneliese Johnson who informed that he died on Thursday. She said that he died of natural cases at an assisting living community in Burbank.
Blinn won an Emmy for his 1971 made for television film Brian’s Song which depicted the story of an interracial friendship between two football players — Gale Sayers and Brain Piccolo.
He won his second Emmy for his work in blockbuster 1977 miniseries Roots which was based on Alex Haley’s novel.
Blinn, earlier in 1960s, wrote for a number of series including westerns such as “Rawhide,” “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke,” as well as “The Interns” and “The Rookies.”
“He was a master of his art and a gentleman of the first order. Rest easy, my friend,” actor Jim Beaver (Deadwood, Supernatural) posted on Twitter.
Talking about her father, Anneliese Johnson said he was a “pioneer who went against the grain and wrote and created what he felt. … He wanted to create what really felt organic and authentic. He never acquiesced to the industry.”
“[Recently] my dad said, ‘Prince was a small-statured man with incredible presence — between his talent and his few words, he was someone to listen to’ — kind of like my dad,” Johnson said. “He really appreciated Prince’s perfectionism. He appreciated his gift beyond the ordinary.”