Alan Sharp, novelist and screenwriter of feature films including "Rob Roy," "Night Moves," "The Osterman Weekend," "Little Treasure" and "Dean Spanley," died at his daughter's home in Los Angeles on Feb. 8 after a long illness. He was 79.
Sharp also wrote for television, penning the screenplay for the miniseries "Ben-Hur," which aired on ABC in 2010, among other projects.
Sharp launched his writing career in 1965 with the publication of the acclaimed novel "A Green Tree in Gedde," which was initially banned in Scotland for its sexual content and was the first of a planned trilogy. The second novel "The Wind Shifts" was published in 1968, but Sharp left the third, "Don't Cry, It's Only a Picture Show," incomplete when he moved to Hollywood to focus on screenwriting.
Sharp was born in Alyth, Scotland.
He is survived by his fourth wife, Harriet; four daughters; two sons; two stepsons; and 14 grandchildren.
A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2. Email alansharpmemorial@sbcglobal.net for information.
Donations may be made to Cedars-Sinai Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Brain Tumor Center.
SHARP, Alan
Born: 1934, Alyth, Scotland, U.K.
Died: 2/8/1913, Los Angeles, Califronia, U.S.A.
Alan Sharp’s westerns – screenwriter, producer:
The Hired Hand – 1971 [screenwriter]
Ulzana’s Raid – 1972 [screenwriter, producer]
Billy Two Hats – 1974 [screenwriter]