Howard Sackler was a prolific playwright and screenwriter whose work often drew from historical contexts. Born on December 19, 1929, in the Bronx, he exhibited a natural talent for writing from an early age. Despite his success in both theater and film, Sackler's career was marked by meticulous research and a desire to explore the human condition through the lens of history.

Early Life and Literary Beginnings

Howard Sackler began his academic journey at Brooklyn College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1950. He initially showcased his literary talent through poetry, contributing to esteemed journals like The Hudson Review and Poetry. His early poetic work was compiled into a collection titled Want My Shepherd, published by Caedmon in 1954. Sackler's love for poetry naturally evolved into playwriting, leading him to pen Uriel Acosta, a play that secured him the Maxwell Anderson Award in 1954. This play, set in a historical context, was a precursor to his inclination to explore historical themes in his work.

Transition to Playwriting

Sackler’s early success with Uriel Acosta, which explored the life of a Portuguese Jew in the era preceding Baruch Spinoza, paved the way for his subsequent work. He turned his attention to Tristan Corbière, a French poet, in his first prose play, which earned him the Sergel Award in 1959. This marked the beginning of his fascination with nineteenth-century medical practices, which he would later revisit in his play Semmelweiss. During this period, Sackler also founded Caedmon Records, which not only supported him financially but also helped him gain recognition as a screenwriter.

Expanding Horizons in Theater and Recording

While developing his playwriting skills, Sackler ventured into directing, furthering his education at the New School for Social Research. Here, he directed readings of several poetic plays and expanded Caedmon's catalogue with recordings of Shakespeare’s works, featuring illustrious actors like Paul Scofield, Albert Finney, and Dame Edith Evans. This period marked a synthesis of Sackler’s interests in poetry, theater, and recording, creating a diverse portfolio.

Innovative Theatrical Works

Sackler continued to innovate in theater with A Few Enquiries, a collection of four one-act plays. Each play was distinct in setting and characters but unified by a central theme: the exploration of human connection and the individual's quest for a place in society. These themes would persist in his later works, evolving into more complex narratives.

The Pinnacle of Success: The Great White Hope

All of Sackler’s experiences and skills coalesced in his groundbreaking play The Great White Hope. Released in 1967, this epic work was a detailed and deeply researched dramatization of Jack Jefferson’s life, inspired by the real-life heavyweight champion Jack Johnson. The play brought Sackler international fame, earning him the Pulitzer Prize, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, and a Tony Award by 1969. This success was further cemented when the play was adapted into a screenplay, featuring James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander, the stars of the original stage production.

Later Works and Challenges

Despite his success, Sackler's dedication to thorough historical research limited his output. It wasn't until 1977 that he released another play, Semmelweiss. Though it premiered in Buffalo, New York, it never made it to Broadway. His last Broadway production, Goodbye Fidel, debuted in 1980 but closed shortly thereafter due to mixed reviews. However, The New Yorker praised it for its "welcomely old-fashioned air of amplitude, even of extravagance," highlighting Sackler's strength in crafting rich, character-driven narratives.

Final Works and Legacy

At the time of his death from pulmonary thrombosis on October 14, 1982, in Ibiza, Spain, Sackler was nearing the completion of another ambitious historical play, "Klondike," centered on the Alaskan Gold Rush. His extensive body of work and his papers are preserved at the Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas, Austin, ensuring that his contributions to theater and literature will be studied and appreciated for generations to come.