Renowned author and screenwriter Herman Raucher, acclaimed for his Oscar-nominated work on the coming-of-age classic ‘Summer of ’42,’ has passed away at the age of 95. His daughter, Jenny Raucher, confirmed that he died of natural causes on Thursday at Stamford Hospital in Connecticut.
Raucher began his career in live television and later wrote screenplays for films like ‘Sweet November’ (1968) and ‘Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?’ (1969). Inspired by Bobbie Gentry’s song, he crafted the script for ‘Ode to Billy Joe’ (1976).
The iconic ‘Summer of ’42’ (1971), directed by Robert Mulligan, was a turning point. To publicize the film, someone suggested Raucher write a book, and in a “stream of consciousness,” he penned a best-selling novel that mirrored his own experiences at 14 during a Nantucket summer.
Raucher also gained recognition for the groundbreaking ‘Watermelon Man’ (1970), addressing racial issues. His career spanned Broadway, novels, and scripts, including the sequel ‘Class of ’44’ and co-writing ‘The Other Side of Midnight’ with Sidney Sheldon.
Born on April 13, 1928, in Brooklyn, Raucher grew up attending Erasmus High School and NYU. He initially wrote for television and worked with Walt Disney during the company’s shift to live-action projects.
Despite success in various mediums, Raucher felt most at home with novels, valuing the creative control they afforded him. His survivors include daughters Jenny and Jacqueline, grandchildren Samantha and Jamie, and the memory of his late wife, Mary Kathryn, a Broadway dancer.
Herman Raucher’s legacy endures through his impactful contributions to literature and cinema, touching the hearts of audiences for generations.
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