Bruce Jay Friedman (April 26, 1930 – June 3, 2020) was an American literary figure who worked as a novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and actor. Over the course of his career, he became highly regarded for his distinct versatility, demonstrating an ability to write successfully for both traditional literature and popular culture. Friedman is widely recognized as a trailblazer in the development and style of modern American black humor. \n\nHis creative output was deeply reflective of his era; the themes he chose to write about directly mirrored the major social changes taking place throughout the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. Additionally, Friedman's writing was highly personal, with many of his stories drawing direct inspiration from the events and experiences of his own life.
