Remembering Jeremy Larner: The Oscar-Winning Screenwriter of "The Candidate"

Jeremy Larner, an influential screenwriter best known for his Oscar-winning work on the 1972 film "The Candidate," passed away on February 24, 2026, in a nursing facility in Oakland, California. He was 88 years old. His son, Jesse Larner, confirmed the news, noting that while his father had been diagnosed with lymphoma in January and had Parkinson's disease since 2013, the specific cause of death remains unknown.

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Larner's career was significantly shaped by his role as a speechwriter for Senator Eugene J. McCarthy during the 1968 Democratic presidential campaign. McCarthy, a prominent figure in the anti-Vietnam War movement, was a serious contender for the Democratic nomination alongside Robert F. Kennedy and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey. Larner's experiences during this tumultuous campaign informed his writing, particularly in "The Candidate," which satirizes the political landscape of the time.

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Larner's screenplay for "The Candidate" centers on Bill McKay, portrayed by Robert Redford, a young liberal lawyer who unexpectedly gains popularity while running for a Senate seat. The film explores themes of political ambition and the dissonance between public persona and personal identity. Larner's script was initially inspired by his firsthand experiences during the McCarthy campaign, where he witnessed the complexities of political life.

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In addition to "The Candidate," Larner adapted his 1964 novel "Drive, He Said" into a film directed by Jack Nicholson. His literary work included several novels and nonfiction books, and he contributed speeches for various political figures, including Paul Newman and Bill Bradley.

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In his acceptance speech for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1973, Larner expressed gratitude to the political figures who inspired him, stating, "I think as long as they continue to do the things they do... there’ll be better pictures and sharper pictures even than The Candidate." This sentiment reflects his deep connection to the political narratives of his time.

Hollywood Reporter

Despite his acclaim, Larner faced challenges in his later career. He noted that while he wrote numerous screenplays, he struggled to have them produced, stating, "I was much better paid for them and I thought some of them were far better than The Candidate, but I could never get any of them made." This highlights the often unpredictable nature of the film industry and the difficulties writers face in gaining recognition for their work.

Hollywood Reporter

• “What do we do now?” — Jeremy Larner, reflecting on the unexpected success of his character's campaign in "The Candidate."

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• “You go over the falls, you lose yourself, you become eternally confused by the difference between yourself and who your public thinks you are.” — Jeremy Larner, on the complexities of political life.

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Larner's death marks the end of an era for a generation of filmmakers and writers influenced by his work. His contributions to cinema and political discourse continue to resonate, particularly in today's political climate, where the themes of "The Candidate" remain relevant. His legacy will be remembered through his films and the impact he had on political storytelling in Hollywood.

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