'Love Story' author Erich Segal dies aged 72

[The Straight Story]

'Love Story' author Erich Segal dies aged 72

LONDON—Erich Segal, the Ivy League professor who attained mainstream fame and made millions sob as writer of the novel and movie "Love Story," has died of a heart attack, his daughter said Tuesday. He was 72.


Francesca Segal said her father died Sunday at his home in London. She said he had suffered from Parkinson's disease --a neurological condition that affects movement -- for 25 years. His funeral was held in London on Tuesday, she said.

Segal was a Yale classics professor and screenplay writer when he turned a proposed movie about two college students -- preppy Oliver and smart-mouthed Jenny -- into a novel. Published in 1970, "Love Story" was a weeper about a young couple who fall in love, marry and discover she is dying of cancer. It was a million seller guaranteed to make readers cry and critics scream.

A much bigger audience caught up with the film version, which starred Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw. Directed by Arthur Hiller, with a plaintive, Henry Mancini-composed theme song that wouldn't quit, "Love Story" gained seven Oscar nominations -- including one for Segal for writing the screenplay, as well as for best picture, best director and best actor and actress. It won one Oscar, for best music.

http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2010/01/19/love_story_author_erich_segal_dies_aged_72/

[BurtWorm]

1. Where do I begin...?

[ShortnFiery]

2. I know that novel and especially movie "touched" a lot of people.

However, on a personal note, I only remember being bored to tears due to the "lack of action" during the film as a pre-adolescent.

With respect for those who loved the novel/film, sitting through that was the first indicator that I was not a typical girl and would forever despise "chick flicks."

To each his/her own. :loveya:

[Bluebear]

3. Farewell, preppy

[derby378]

4. The movie was corny at times, but also very effective

RIP, Erich.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

5. Love means never having to say Erich who?

[Lord Helmet]

6. Love means never having to say Love Story was a great movie.