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By LYNN ELBER, AP Tv Author
LOS ANGELES (AP) — William Blinn, a screenwriter for the landmark TV tasks “Brian’s Tune” and “Roots” and the Prince movie “Purple Rain,” has died. He was 83.
Blinn died Thursday of pure circumstances at an aiding residing group in Burbank, California, his daughter, Anneliese Johnson, mentioned Saturday.
He gained Emmy and Peabody honors for the 1971 TV film “Brian’s Tune,” which dramatized the friendship of Chicago Bears gamers Brian Piccolo and Gayle Sayers. It was successful when it aired and is a enduring favourite with sports activities followers and critics.
Final month, Corridor of Fame operating again Sayers died at age 77.
Blinn’s work on “Roots,” the blockbuster 1977 miniseries tailored from Alex Haley’s ebook about his African American ancestors in slavery and freedom, gained an Emmy and a Humanitas Prize.
“He was a grasp of his artwork and a gentleman of the primary order. Relaxation straightforward, my good friend,” actor Jim Beaver (“Deadwood,” “Supernatural”) posted on Twitter.
Johnson described her father as a “pioneer who went in opposition to the grain and wrote and created what he felt. … He wished to create what actually felt natural and genuine. He by no means acquiesced to the trade.”
Blinn was modest about his accomplishments and the accolades he acquired, she mentioned, with a “humble, grounded view of life” that he imparted to his household.
A local of Toledo, Ohio, Blinn’s early TV credit included the 1960s reveals “Rawhide,” “Bonnaza” and “My Favourite Martian.” He went on to create and produce reveals, amongst them “Starsky & Hutch,” “The Rookies” and “Pensacola: Wings of Gold,” in a profession that spanned 5 many years.
“Brian’s Tune,” starring James Caan as Piccolo and Billy Dee Williams as Sayers, portrayed the 2 bonding once they turned roommates on the street, uncommon on the time for Black and white gamers. They drew nearer when Piccolo was recognized with most cancers that proved terminal in 1970.
Blinn and Albert Magnoli wrote 1984′s “Purple Rain,” which Magnoli directed.
Apart from his daughter, Blinn’s survivors embody his son, Chris, and his grandchildren.
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