Benedict Fitzgerald, Co-Writer of ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ Passes Away at 74
Benedict Fitzgerald, a renowned writer known for his co-writing of Mel Gibson’s critically acclaimed film ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ has sadly passed away at the age of 74. The news of his death comes after a prolonged illness in Marsala, Sicily, where he spent his final days.
Born into a literary family on March 9, 1949, in New York, Fitzgerald’s upbringing was influenced by his family’s move to Italy in the late 1950s. It was during this time that his passion for cinema and writing began to flourish. He later attended Harvard University, where he further nurtured his interest in these fields.
Fitzgerald’s connection to writer Flannery O’Connor proved to be a significant turning point in his career. Through this association, he was able to delve into the world of screenwriting, leading to the production of his first screenplay, ‘Wise Blood,’ which was directed by John Huston.
Following the success of ‘Wise Blood,’ Fitzgerald focused on literary adaptations, bringing classic works to the screen. Notable among his produced works were a 1993 TV movie adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’ and the miniseries ‘In Cold Blood’ in 1996, based on Truman Capote’s true crime classic. Additionally, Fitzgerald contributed to the 1998 miniseries adaptation of Herman Melville’s ‘Moby Dick.’
In 1999, Fitzgerald received an offer from Mel Gibson to co-write the script for ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ a biblical epic that gained global acclaim upon its release in 2004. However, the film’s success was marred by a legal dispute between Fitzgerald and Gibson over profit shares, which was ultimately settled in 2009.
Fitzgerald’s creative endeavors did not end with ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ He had plans to create a prequel titled ‘Myriam, Mother of the Christ,’ but unfortunately, legal obstacles prevented its production, and the project remained unproduced.
Benedict Fitzgerald leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Karen, daughters Eugenie, Helena, and Olimpia, three grandchildren, and siblings Ughetta, Maria, Michael, Barnaby, and Caterina. His impact on cinematic adaptations and religious epics, particularly his work on ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ solidifies his legacy in the film industry.
In conclusion, Benedict Fitzgerald’s passing is a significant loss to the world of writing and filmmaking. His contributions to literary adaptations and his collaboration with Mel Gibson on ‘The Passion of the Christ’ will be remembered for years to come. May he rest in peace, and may his family find solace in the memories of their time together..
