The screenwriter and producer Barry Blaustein, creator of comedies, has passed away
14 may 2026 в 22:13
Barry Blaustein spent decades shaping some of Hollywood’s most beloved comedies before passing away in May 2026. This seasoned screenwriter and producer became known for his work on «Saturday Night Live» and his creative collaboration with Eddie Murphy, helping to create iconic characters such as Gumby, Buckwheat, and Mr. Robinson, as well as co-writing successful films including «Coming to America» and «The Nutty Professor». He also received recognition for directing the wrestling documentary «Beyond the Mat», - which he once called «the most fulfilling project of his life».
The news of Blaustein’s death was confirmed on May 12, 2026. Reports indicate that he had been battling Parkinson’s disease for nearly ten years and had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Following this news, numerous tributes poured in for Blaustein from fans, former students, comedians, and colleagues who paid homage to his contributions to the entertainment industry.
«Barry understood what made comedy work better than anyone I know», - said Stephen Galloway, dean of the Dodge College, in a statement to several media outlets. «He knew that comedy encompasses both darkness and light. Yet, light filled his final years. Even when he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease, he exhibited a positivity that always amazed me. He will be remembered as a wonderful writer, but even more so as a wonderful person».
Blaustein was born on September 10, 1954, and grew up on Long Island, New York. He later attended New York University, where he earned a degree and then interned at NBC News, which helped him launch his career in the entertainment industry.
After joining «Saturday Night Live» in 1980, Blaustein teamed up with writer David Sheffield and rising star Eddie Murphy. Together, they created legendary characters and sketches, including Gumby, Buckwheat, Mr. Robinson, Velvet Jones, and «Celebrity Hot Tub» with James Brown.
Their collaboration later continued in successful films such as «Coming to America» and «The Nutty Professor».
After decades in Hollywood, Blaustein shifted to teaching and joined the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University as a professor of screenwriting in 2012. Former students and colleagues praised him for mentoring young writers and for bringing real Hollywood experience to the classroom.
«I find teaching students to be truly inspiring, and I hope to make them better writers because I know they make me a better writer», - he said in 2015.
Blaustein was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 and became an outspoken advocate for living with the condition, even speaking publicly on behalf of the Parkinson’s Foundation. In the days leading up to his death, he also received a diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer
The news of Blaustein’s death was confirmed on May 12, 2026. Reports indicate that he had been battling Parkinson’s disease for nearly ten years and had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Following this news, numerous tributes poured in for Blaustein from fans, former students, comedians, and colleagues who paid homage to his contributions to the entertainment industry.
«Barry understood what made comedy work better than anyone I know», - said Stephen Galloway, dean of the Dodge College, in a statement to several media outlets. «He knew that comedy encompasses both darkness and light. Yet, light filled his final years. Even when he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease, he exhibited a positivity that always amazed me. He will be remembered as a wonderful writer, but even more so as a wonderful person».
Blaustein was born on September 10, 1954, and grew up on Long Island, New York. He later attended New York University, where he earned a degree and then interned at NBC News, which helped him launch his career in the entertainment industry.
After joining «Saturday Night Live» in 1980, Blaustein teamed up with writer David Sheffield and rising star Eddie Murphy. Together, they created legendary characters and sketches, including Gumby, Buckwheat, Mr. Robinson, Velvet Jones, and «Celebrity Hot Tub» with James Brown.
Their collaboration later continued in successful films such as «Coming to America» and «The Nutty Professor».
After decades in Hollywood, Blaustein shifted to teaching and joined the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University as a professor of screenwriting in 2012. Former students and colleagues praised him for mentoring young writers and for bringing real Hollywood experience to the classroom.
«I find teaching students to be truly inspiring, and I hope to make them better writers because I know they make me a better writer», - he said in 2015.
Blaustein was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 and became an outspoken advocate for living with the condition, even speaking publicly on behalf of the Parkinson’s Foundation. In the days leading up to his death, he also received a diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer
© Artemenko Olga
