Aaron Sorkin Bio
Aaron Benjamin Sorkin (born June 9, 1961) is an American screenwriter, playwright, and filmmaker. As a writer for stage, television, and film, he is recognized for his trademark fast-paced dialogue and extended monologues, complemented by frequent use of the storytelling technique called the “walk and talk”. Sorkin has earned numerous accolades including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, five Primetime Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, and two WGA Awards, in addition to a Laurence Olivier Award nomination.
Early Life and Background
Aaron Sorkin was born in Manhattan, New York City, to a Jewish family. He was raised in the New York suburb of Scarsdale. His mother was a schoolteacher and his father a copyright lawyer who had fought in World War II. Sorkin developed a passion for writing at an early age, influenced by his parents who took him to see theatrical productions. He attended Scarsdale High School, where he became involved in the drama and theatre club and served as vice president of the drama club in his junior and senior years. He graduated in 1979. In 1979, Sorkin enrolled at Syracuse University, where he initially struggled academically but eventually graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre. His theatre teacher, Arthur Storch, played a significant role in his development as a writer, encouraging him to push his creative boundaries.
Path to Hollywood
After college, Sorkin moved to New York City, where he spent much of the 1980s as a struggling actor and writer. He worked various odd jobs, including delivering singing telegrams and bartending at Broadway’s Palace Theatre. During this time, he began writing plays, including his first, “Removing All Doubt,” which was staged at Syracuse University in 1984. His second play, “Hidden in This Picture,” debuted off-off-Broadway in 1988, leading to his first theatrical agent. Inspired by a conversation with his sister, Sorkin wrote the courtroom drama “A Few Good Men,” which premiered on Broadway in 1989 and was later adapted into a successful film.
Aaron Sorkin Career
Early Career (1984–1990)
Sorkin’s early career was marked by the success of his play “A Few Good Men,” which was adapted into a film in 1992, directed by Rob Reiner and starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson. The film was a box office success, grossing $243 million worldwide. Following this, Sorkin wrote the screenplay for “Malice” (1993) and “The American President” (1995), both of which received critical acclaim. His work during this period established him as a prominent voice in Hollywood.
Breakthrough (1998–2006)
Sorkin’s breakthrough came with the creation of the television series “Sports Night” (1998–2000), which garnered critical acclaim despite low ratings. He then created the political drama “The West Wing” (1999–2006), which became a cultural phenomenon and won numerous awards, including nine Primetime Emmy Awards for its first season. Sorkin’s writing style, characterized by rapid-fire dialogue and complex characters, resonated with audiences and critics alike. He also faced personal challenges during this time, including a drug relapse in 2001, but successfully completed a drug diversion program.
Notable Works and Milestones
Sorkin’s signature works include “The Social Network” (2010), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and “Moneyball” (2011), which also received critical acclaim. His television work on “The West Wing” and later “The Newsroom” (2012–2014) further solidified his reputation as a leading writer in the industry.
Aaron Sorkin Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Aaron Sorkin has received numerous award nominations, including ten Golden Globe Awards, winning three for Best Screenplay. He has also been nominated for several Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards, showcasing his impact on both film and television.
Aaron Sorkin Awards Won
Sorkin has won several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for “The Social Network” in 2011 and the BAFTA Award for the same film. He has also won five Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on “The West Wing.”
Aaron Sorkin Family
Aaron Sorkin was married to Julia Bingham from 1996 until their divorce in 2005. They have one daughter, Roxanne Sophie, born in 2000.
Personal Life
Sorkin has been open about his struggles with substance abuse, having sought rehabilitation in the past. He has been involved in various political causes and is known for his support of the Democratic Party. In 2021, he dated model Paulina Porizkova for a brief period. Sorkin continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood, with upcoming projects that include a film about the founder of the Israeli air force and a follow-up to “The Social Network,” titled “The Social Reckoning,” set for release in 2025.
