Charlie Kaufman Bio
Charles Stuart Kaufman (born November 19, 1958) is an American filmmaker and novelist. His work is distinguished by postmodernist and surrealist storytelling, with many critics considering him an auteur. Getting his start as a television writer, Kaufman gained prominence for his collaborations with directors Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry on Being John Malkovich (1999), Adaptation (2002), and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). He later transitioned to directing films such as Synecdoche, New York (2008), Anomalisa (2015), and I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020). In 2020, he released a novel, Antkind.
Early Life and Background
Kaufman was born in New York City to a Jewish family on November 19, 1958, the son of Helen and Myron Kaufman. He grew up in Massapequa, New York, before moving to West Hartford, Connecticut. In high school, Kaufman was active in the drama club, performing in numerous productions, and he landed the lead role in a production of Play It Again, Sam during his senior year. After graduating high school, Kaufman attended Boston University before transferring to New York University, where he studied film. While at NYU, he met Paul Proch, with whom he wrote many unproduced scripts and plays.
Path to Hollywood
Between 1983 and 1984, Kaufman and Proch wrote comedic articles and spoofs for National Lampoon, including parodies of Kurt Vonnegut and the X-Men. They sought to get their screenplays produced, sending them to various industry contacts. Kaufman worked odd jobs in customer service to support himself and his wife, Denise. In 1991, one of Kaufman’s spec scripts gained attention, leading to him acquiring a talent agent. The agent encouraged him to move to Los Angeles, where he sought television writing jobs. Kaufman eventually secured a position on the sitcom Get a Life, where he wrote two episodes before its cancellation in 1992.
Charlie Kaufman Career
Early Career (1983–1997)
After Get a Life’s cancellation, Kaufman continued to pursue opportunities in television, working on various comedic series, including The Dana Carvey Show. He struggled to maintain the integrity of his material due to his unconventional writing style. Kaufman wrote several pilot scripts, but none were produced. His breakthrough came when he wrote the screenplay for Being John Malkovich, which garnered critical acclaim and earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Breakthrough (1999–2004)
Kaufman first gained mainstream recognition with the release of Being John Malkovich in 1999, directed by Spike Jonze. The film earned him an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA Award. Following this success, he wrote Human Nature, directed by Michel Gondry, and collaborated with Jonze again for Adaptation, which also received an Academy Award nomination. Kaufman’s screenplay for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind won him his first Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, further solidifying his reputation as a leading screenwriter.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kaufman’s signature works include Being John Malkovich, Adaptation, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, all of which showcase his unique storytelling style. He has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards, and an Emmy Award.
Charlie Kaufman Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Charlie Kaufman has received multiple award nominations, including Academy Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay for Being John Malkovich, Adaptation, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Charlie Kaufman Awards Won
Charlie Kaufman has won several prestigious awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, three BAFTA Awards, and an Emmy Award.
Charlie Kaufman Family
Charlie Kaufman is married to Denise Monaghan, and they have a daughter named Anna.
Personal Life
As of 2020, Kaufman resides in Manhattan, New York. He has lived in various locations, including Pasadena, California, since 1998. Kaufman’s personal life remains relatively private, focusing primarily on his work in film and literature.
