Bob Randall (writer)

Randall was born Stanley Goldstein^[1] on August 20, 1937 in the Bronx borough of New York City.^[2][3] Prior to becoming a writer, Randall worked as an advertising copywriter.^[1]

In 1977, Randall had his only screen acting role as J. M. Bedford in the short-lived television comedy series On Our Own, which he also created.^[4] The same year, Randall published the thriller novel The Fan, about an aging actress stalked by a psychotic young man.^[5] The novel won an Edgar Award for Best First Novel, and was adapted into the 1981 feature film of the same name starring Lauren Bacall and Michael Biehn.^[2]

In 1984, Randall began producing the network series Kate & Allie, and also served as a writer of 34 episodes. Randall later wrote the screenplay for the television film David's Mother (1994), which earned him one Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries and a further three nominations in the same category.^[6]

Randall died in New Milford, Connecticut on February 11, 1995, aged 57, of AIDS-related illness.^[7] He was survived by Gary Pratt, his partner of 15 years.^[2]

Novels

• The Fan (1977)
• The Next (1981)
• The Calling (1983)
• The Last Man on the List (1990)

Plays

• 6 Rms Riv Vu (1972)
• The Magic Show (1974)