Jeremy David Larner, the acclaimed American screenwriter who earned an Academy Award for his sharp, satirical script for the 1972 political drama “The Candidate,” passed away on February 24, 2026, in Oakland, California. He was 88 years old. His son, Jesse Larner, confirmed his father’s death, noting that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma in January 2026 and had lived with Parkinson’s disease since 2013, though a specific cause of death was not publicly disclosed by his family.

Born on March 20, 1937, in Olean, New York, Larner grew up in Indianapolis, where he won his high school tennis championship in 1954 and encountered future basketball stars like Oscar Robertson on playground courts. He graduated from Brandeis University in 1958, where he was influenced by prominent intellectuals such as Herbert Marcuse, Irving Howe, and Philip Rahv, and was a fellow student with Abbie Hoffman. In 1959, he began a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship at UC Berkeley but left graduate school in his first year, moving to New York City at age 22.

Larner cultivated a versatile career that seamlessly blended journalism, fiction, political speechwriting, and filmmaking. During his time in New York City in the 1960s, he wrote five books. His early career saw him contribute to esteemed publications such as Harper’s, The Paris Review, and Life, establishing himself as a keen observer and incisive writer. In 1962, he covered a teachers’ strike for Dissent magazine, and his detailed account was widely anthologized. He also reported on the trial of decorated fighter pilot Dale Noyd for Harper’s, an account that was selected for an anthology of the year’s best journalism.

His literary debut came in 1964 with his novel “Drive, He Said,” a work that captured the countercultural pulse of the 1960s and earned him the prestigious Delta Prize for first novels. This novel later caught the attention of actor-director Jack Nicholson, who co-wrote and directed a film adaptation released in 1971, with Larner also contributing to the screenplay. In 1965, Larner won the prestigious Aga Khan Prize for the best short story published in The Paris Review for his work 'O, the Wonder!' Beyond “Drive, He Said” and “Nobody Knows,” his other authored books include “The Addict in the Street,” “The Answer,” and “Poverty: Views From the Left.”

A pivotal period in Larner’s life and career was his involvement in the 1968 presidential campaign, where he served as a principal speechwriter for Senator Eugene McCarthy. His experiences during this turbulent political bid provided the foundation for his critically acclaimed book “Nobody Knows: Reflections on the McCarthy Campaign of 1968,” which was serialized in Harper’s magazine in 1969. This intimate understanding of political maneuvering and compromise profoundly informed his most celebrated work. Larner also wrote speeches for actor Paul Newman during the Vietnam peace movement.

“The Candidate,” directed by Michael Ritchie and starring Robert Redford, became Larner’s crowning achievement in cinema. His screenplay, lauded for its sharp wit and realistic portrayal of modern political campaigns, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. In 1973, Larner was honored with an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, solidifying his legacy as a significant voice in American film. In 1988, Larner wrote an op-ed for The New York Times, addressing then-Senator Dan Quayle’s misinterpretation of “The Candidate” as an inspirational guide rather than a satire.

Beyond his notable screenwriting and literary contributions, Larner continued to lend his talents as a speechwriter for various public figures, including politicians like Bill Bradley and activists such as Sam Brown, addressing critical issues of his time, including the Vietnam War and environmental concerns. He wrote a long poem titled “Chicken on Church,” described as a mock-epic and love poem to New York City, which he first penned in 1992 and frequently revised, with selected poems recently published by Big Rooster Press. Articles consistently emphasized his unique ability to blend politics, journalism, and filmmaking, and how “The Candidate” remains relevant for its insights into American politics.

Numerous publications, including Glamsham.com, ANI News, The Times of India, TheWrap, and Times Now, published obituaries and retrospectives highlighting his career and impact. Film critic and author Mark Harris mentioned Larner in a Bluesky post, suggesting a 'Tribute to Screenwriters Who Just Died triple-feature weekend' including 'The Candidate.' Jeremy Larner will be remembered for his intellectual rigor, his keen satirical eye, and his enduring contributions to American letters and cinema. He is survived by his sons, Jesse and Zachary, and his brother, Daniel.