Richard Glatzer

Richard Glatzer (January 28, 1952 – March 10, 2015) was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his work on films that often explored themes of love, family, and identity. Glatzer's most notable work includes co-directing and co-writing the critically acclaimed film Still Alice alongside his husband, Wash Westmoreland. Still Alice, a film that portrays a linguistics professor dealing with early onset Alzheimer's disease, earned actress Julianne Moore an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Early Life and Education

Richard Glatzer was born in Flushing, Queens, New York, and developed an early interest in film and literature. He pursued his passion by studying English Literature at the University of Michigan, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Following his undergraduate studies, Glatzer furthered his education by obtaining a master's degree in English from the School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania.

Career

Glatzer began his career in the entertainment industry working for the Nielsen Company, where he contributed to television audience research. His transition into filmmaking started in the late 1980s when he decided to focus on writing and directing. Glatzer's directorial debut came with the film Grief (1993), a dark comedy about a gay television writer dealing with the death of his partner, which garnered attention at various film festivals.

Throughout his career, Glatzer collaborated with his husband, Wash Westmoreland, on several projects. Their partnership proved to be both personal and professional, leading to the creation of films such as Quinceañera (2006), which won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Quinceañera is a coming-of-age story set in Los Angeles, focusing on the cultural and familial expectations surrounding a young girl's fifteenth birthday celebration.

In 2014, Glatzer and Westmoreland released Still Alice, a film adaptation of Lisa Genova's novel of the same name. Despite Glatzer's progressing battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, he continued to work on the film. Still Alice was met with critical acclaim, particularly for Moore's performance, and played a significant role in raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease.

Personal Life

Richard Glatzer married Wash Westmoreland in 2013, after being together for nearly two decades. The couple shared a deep personal and professional bond, collaborating on various film projects throughout their relationship. Glatzer's diagnosis with ALS in 2011 profoundly impacted his life and work, yet he remained dedicated to his craft until his passing.

Death

Richard Glatzer died on March 10, 2015, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from ALS. His legacy is remembered through his contributions to film and his courage in facing ALS while continuing to create impactful cinema.

Filmography

• Grief (1993) – Director, Writer
• The Fluffer (2001) – Director, Writer
• Quinceañera (2006) – Director, Writer
• The Last of Robin Hood (2013) – Director, Writer
• Still Alice (2014) – Director, Writer