Screenwriter, Film Director, and Professor
Remembering those we recently lost
Plant the first tree in their honor
Key moments and achievements from Barry Blaustein's life.
Barry was born
· Los Angeles, California, USA
Employment
At the age of 24, Barry Blaustein secured his first professional writing job. He was hired to write for 'The Mike Douglas Show,' bringing his childhood fascination with television full circle. This early opportunity laid the groundwork for his decades-long career in the entertainment industry.
Employment
At the age of 24, Barry Blaustein secured his first professional writing job. He was hired to write for 'The Mike Douglas Show,' bringing his childhood fascination with television full circle. This early opportunity laid the groundwork for his decades-long career in the entertainment industry.
Employment
Producer Jean Doumanian hired Blaustein as a writer for 'Saturday Night Live' during a highly transitional period for the sketch comedy show. He formed a legendary writing partnership with David Sheffield that would last over four decades. Together, they co-developed some of Eddie Murphy's most iconic characters, helping to revitalize the program.
Employment
Producer Jean Doumanian hired Blaustein as a writer for 'Saturday Night Live' during a highly transitional period for the sketch comedy show. He formed a legendary writing partnership with David Sheffield that would last over four decades. Together, they co-developed some of Eddie Murphy's most iconic characters, helping to revitalize the program.
Film Release
Blaustein and his writing partner David Sheffield co-wrote the screenplay for the hit comedy 'Coming to America.' Starring Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, the film became a massive cultural and commercial success. It solidified Blaustein's reputation as a premier architect of modern cinematic comedy.
Film Release
Blaustein and his writing partner David Sheffield co-wrote the screenplay for the hit comedy 'Coming to America.' Starring Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, the film became a massive cultural and commercial success. It solidified Blaustein's reputation as a premier architect of modern cinematic comedy.
Film Release
Blaustein made his directorial debut with the professional wrestling documentary 'Beyond the Mat.' The film offered an unprecedented, unscripted look at the physical and emotional toll of the sports entertainment industry. It was a critical triumph, becoming a finalist for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
Film Release
Blaustein made his directorial debut with the professional wrestling documentary 'Beyond the Mat.' The film offered an unprecedented, unscripted look at the physical and emotional toll of the sports entertainment industry. It was a critical triumph, becoming a finalist for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
Employment
Transitioning into the role of an educator, Blaustein joined the faculty of Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. He served as a professor of screenwriting, mentoring the next generation of storytellers. He brought decades of Hollywood experience and pragmatism to his students.
Employment
Transitioning into the role of an educator, Blaustein joined the faculty of Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. He served as a professor of screenwriting, mentoring the next generation of storytellers. He brought decades of Hollywood experience and pragmatism to his students.
Health
Blaustein was officially diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Rather than retreating from public life, he embraced a new role as an advocate for others facing the illness. He became an ambassador for the Parkinson's Foundation, using his platform to raise awareness while continuing his writing career.
Health
Blaustein was officially diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Rather than retreating from public life, he embraced a new role as an advocate for others facing the illness. He became an ambassador for the Parkinson's Foundation, using his platform to raise awareness while continuing his writing career.
Barry Blaustein passed away
