Gloria Katz (October 25, 1942 – November 25, 2018) was an American screenwriter and film producer, best known for her association with George Lucas. Along with her husband Willard Huyck, Katz's credited screenplays include American Graffiti, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Howard the Duck, and Night Ride Down (unproduced). Katz was Jewish.
As uncredited script doctors, a common practice, Katz and Huyck helped polish Lucas's Star Wars script. Katz and Huyck are responsible for helping him with developing some of the humor and some developments for the iconic Princess Leia in the film.
Early life Katz was born in Los Angeles. She majored in English as an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley and obtained a masters in film at UCLA. In 1969, she married Huyck, a college friend of Lucas.
Death Katz died from ovarian cancer in 2018 at the age of 76, in her native Los Angeles.
Filmography Film Year Film Writer Producer Notes 1973 Messiah of Evil Also uncredited co-director with Willard Huyck and uncredited actress; Role: Ticket Booth Zombie American Graffiti 1975 Lucky Lady 1979 French Postcards Also actress; Role: Chief Snail 1984 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Best Defense 1986 Howard the Duck 1994 Radioland Murders
Other credits Year Film Role Notes 1977 Star Wars Script doctor Uncredited 1979 More American Graffiti Based on characters created by Go West! Special thanks
Television Year Title Writer Executive producer Notes 1988 A Father's Homecoming Television film 1989 Mothers, Daughters and Lovers
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