Andrew Bergman

He graduated from Binghamton University and earned a Ph.D. in American history from the University of Wisconsin. His dissertation, a study of Depression-era Hollywood films, was published in 1971 by NYU Press under the title We're In the Money: Depression America and Its Films. He wrote James Cagney: The Pictorial Treasury of Film Stars.

He wrote the original screenplay (titled Tex X) that served as the basis for Mel Brooks's classic Blazing Saddles, and was among the co-writers who adapted it into its final state. Since then, he has written or co-written the cult classics The In-Laws, Fletch, and Soapdish; written and directed The Freshman, Honeymoon in Vegas and It Could Happen To You; written and produced Striptease with Demi Moore; and directed the Jacqueline Susann biopic Isn't She Great.

Bergman has written four novels: The Big Kiss-Off of 1944, Hollywood and LeVine, Tender Is LeVine, and Sleepless Nights. He also wrote the Broadway comedy, Social Security, and Working Title.

The Andrew Bergman History Writing Prize is awarded by University of Wisconsin. He lives in New York City with his wife. He has two grown sons.