Benedict Fitzgerald, Co-Screenwriter of “The Passion of the Christ,” Passes Away at 74
Benedict Fitzgerald, the co-screenwriter of the acclaimed film “The Passion of the Christ,” has sadly passed away at the age of 74. He died on January 17 in Marsala, Sicily, after battling a long illness, according to his cousin Nancy Ritter.
Released in 2004, “The Passion of the Christ” was a biblical epic that was co-written by Fitzgerald and directed by Mel Gibson. The film went on to become the highest-grossing independent film of all time, leaving a lasting impact on audiences around the world.
A Talented Writer and Adaptation Expert
Prior to his work on “The Passion of the Christ,” Fitzgerald gained recognition for his screenplay adaptation of Flannery O’Connor’s novel “Wise Blood.” He collaborated with his brother Michael on the script, and the film, directed by John Huston, starred Brad Dourif, Harry Dean Stanton, and Ned Beatty.
This successful adaptation marked the beginning of Fitzgerald’s career in bringing literary works to the screen. He continued to showcase his talent with projects such as “Zelda” (1993), starring Natasha Richardson and Timothy Hutton, and the adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” (1993), featuring John Malkovich. Fitzgerald’s work on the miniseries adaptations of Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood” (1996) and Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick” (1998), starring Patrick Stewart as Captain Ahab, also earned critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Award nominations.
A Life Shaped by Literature and Family
Benedict Fitzgerald was born on March 9, 1949, in New York. His parents were Sally Fitzgerald, known for editing “The Habit of Being: Letters of Flannery O’Connor,” and Robert Fitzgerald, a highly regarded poet and translator. Robert’s translations of works by Homer, Virgil, and Sophocles are still considered definitive to this day.
Although he was raised in Italy, Fitzgerald attended boarding school in Rhode Island before going on to graduate from Harvard University in 1972. In 1991, he married Karen Mason, who survives him. Fitzgerald is also survived by his three daughters Eugenie, Helena, and Olimpia, three grandchildren, and his siblings Ughetta, Maria, Michael, Barnaby, and Caterina.
Remembering Benedict Fitzgerald
Benedict Fitzgerald’s contributions to the film industry, particularly his work on “The Passion of the Christ,” will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. His talent for adapting literary works and bringing them to life on the screen was truly remarkable.
We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family during this difficult time. Benedict Fitzgerald’s legacy will continue to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
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