Frank D. Gilroy, a successful playwright, screenwriter, director and author who won the Pulitzer Prize, a Tony Award and a Drama Circle honor for his play “The Subject Was Roses,” has died. He was 89.
Gilroy died Saturday evening from natural causes, according a statement released by his publicist Cynthia Swartz.
Gilroy had a prolific writing career. Among his other plays were “Last Licks” and “Any Given Day”and he previously served as president of the Dramatists Guild.
Gilroy also wrote the movie version of “The Subject Was Roses” starring Martin Sheen, Patricia Neal and Jack Albertson. The 1968 film received two Oscar nominations and one win, with Albertson taking home the Best Supporting Actor award.
Gilroy additionally wrote the 1956 film “The Fastest Gun Alive,” which starred Glenn Ford, and 1970’s “The Only Game in Town,” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Warren Beatty.
Gilroy leaves behind his wife Ruth of 62 years, his three sons John, director-screenwriter Tony, writer-director Dan, and grandchildren Sam, Carolyn, Taylor, Rose, and Kathryn Gilroy.
Tony Gilroy is the screenwriter behind the Bourne films, while Dan Gilroy directed the 2014 film “Nightcrawler.”
A memorial service will be held sometime in the coming weeks.