Brian Garfield, ‘Death Wish’ Author, Dies at Age 79

Brian Garfield, the author of the 1972 novel Death Wish that inspired the popular movie franchise Death Wish (1974), featuring Charles Bronson, has died. He was 79.

The writer's death was confirmed by his literary agent Judy Coppage. He told The Hollywood Reporter that Brian died "peacefully" on Saturday, December 29 at his home in Pasadena, California.

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As for the cause of death, Judy said the late author died a battle with Parkinson's disease, which is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system; it mainly affects the motor system.

RIP Brian Garfield, a seriously underrated writer whose novels DEATH WISH and HOPSCOTCH are pivotal 1970s crime novels. He's pictured here with his good buddy (and sometime co-writer) Donald Westlake, from this 2011 interview with @levistahl: https://t.co/hMrvEdmLZp pic.twitter.com/UEEm8Tlqnl

— Sarah Weinman (@sarahw) January 2, 2019

Brian also screenplayed a 1980 comedy - adapted from his 1975 novel 'Hopscotch' - starring Walter Matthau, Sam Waterston and Glenda Jackson.

He said at the time that he wrote 'Hopscotch', in which no one dies, in response to the violence of Death Wish. The book had won an Edgar Award.

One of his notable novels was Gun Down, which served as the basis for The Last Hard Men (1976) directed by Andrew V. McLaglen. The star casts of the movie include James Coburn, Charlton Heston and Barbara Hershey.

Brian had written more than 70 books that sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. 19 of his books were made into films or television shows.

Funeral services for the late author will be announced in the coming days. Rest In Peace Brian Garfield!

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