Renowned author and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Herman Raucher, recognized for his impactful contributions to film, passed away at the age of 95, as reported. Raucher’s daughter, Jenny Raucher, confirmed that he died of natural causes on Thursday at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut.
Raucher’s career spanned across various mediums, beginning in live television before transitioning to film. Notable among his works is the coming-of-age drama “Summer of ’42,” which earned him an Oscar nomination. Raucher’s ability to seamlessly blend storytelling with his experiences led to the creation of a national best-selling novel based on the film.
Born on April 13, 1928, in Brooklyn, Raucher’s early career included writing for prestigious network anthology series and working for Walt Disney during the company’s shift from animated to live-action projects. He later became a creative director and board member at New York advertising agencies.
Raucher’s diverse portfolio extended beyond screenplays, encompassing novels and Broadway. His writing credits include the Broadway comedy “Harold,” novels such as “A Glimpse of Tiger,” “There Should Have Been Castles,” and “Maynard’s House.” Additionally, he authored the sequel to “Summer of ’42,” titled “Class of ’44.”
The screenwriter’s foray into socially charged cinema included the groundbreaking “Watermelon Man” (1970), directed by Melvin Van Peebles. The film depicted a white bigot waking up as a black man, exploring racial themes in a unique narrative.
Raucher’s dedication to preserving his creative vision found solace in novel writing, where no alteration could be made without his approval. His daughter emphasized this sentiment, noting his preference for the medium that allowed writers unparalleled control over their work.
Survived by his grandchildren Samantha and Jamie, along with his daughter Jacqueline, Raucher’s family mourns the loss of a creative force. His wife, Mary Kathryn, a Broadway dancer and student of George Balanchine, preceded him in death in 2002. Raucher leaves behind a legacy of storytelling that resonated across literature, stage, and cinema.
