William Hjortsberg

As a young man, Hjortsberg began his career as a journalist, eventually transitioning into writing novels. He gained recognition with the publication of his debut novel, Falling Angel, which served as the basis for the 1987 film Angel Heart. The novel was later adapted into an opera, composed by J. Mark Scearce and featuring a libretto by Lucy Thurber, in 2015. Hjortsberg's work in both literature and film led to him being involved in notable projects, including the screenplay for the 1985 film Legend. Through his diverse body of work, he demonstrated a range of creative skills and interests.