Colin Higgins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Colin Higgins
Born	(1941-07-28)28 July 1941 Nouméa, New Caledonia, France
Died	5 August 1988(1988-08-05) (aged 47) Beverly Hills, California, United States
Education	Stanford University UCLA
Occupation	Director, producer, actor, screenwriter
Years active	1971–1987

Colin Higgins (born 28 July 1941 – died 5 August 1988) was a talented Australian-American writer, actor, director, and producer. He is best known for writing the script for the famous 1971 movie Harold and Maude. He also directed popular films like Foul Play (1978) and 9 to 5 (1980). Colin Higgins left a big mark on Hollywood with his unique stories and directing style.

Life and Career

Early Life and Education

Colin Higgins was born in Nouméa, New Caledonia, which is part of France. His mother was Australian, and his father was American. He was one of six sons. When his father joined the army after the attack on Pearl Harbor, his mother took Colin and his older brother back to Sydney, Australia.

Colin lived in Sydney until 1957. He mostly grew up in a suburb called Hunters Hill and went to school at Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview. Later, he moved to Redwood City, California, and started studying at Stanford University. He loved theatre so much that he lost his scholarship.

He then moved to New York City, hoping to become an actor. When that didn't work out, he joined the U.S. Army. He was sent to Germany, where he worked for the Stars and Stripes newspaper.

After leaving the army in 1965, Colin traveled around Europe, spending time in Paris. He then returned to Stanford University to study creative writing. He said he was eager to learn for the sake of learning. While in college, he acted in small theatre shows to support himself. He even wrote a play called Once Around the Quad, which was performed at Stanford.

Starting in Hollywood

After graduating from Stanford, Colin worked as a sailor for a short time. He wanted to see Asia, but he soon realized it wasn't like the adventure stories he had read.

In 1967, he visited Expo 67 in Montreal and was very impressed by the film exhibits there. This inspired him to learn about filmmaking. He decided to study screenwriting at UCLA. There, he made two short films: Opus One (1968), which made fun of student films, and Retreat, which was against war. His main project for his degree became the basis for his most famous film, Harold and Maude.

The Success of Harold and Maude

After finishing his studies, Colin worked as a part-time driver and pool cleaner in Los Angeles. He met film producer Ed Lewis there. Colin showed Lewis his script for Harold and Maude. Lewis then shared it with Robert Evans at Paramount Pictures.

Colin wanted to direct the movie himself. He was allowed to film a short test scene, but Paramount wasn't convinced. So, Hal Ashby was hired to direct. Colin worked well with Ashby, and they were both happy with the final movie. When it first came out, Harold and Maude wasn't a huge hit. However, it became very popular over time and was still shown in cinemas years later.

Colin also wrote the script for a TV movie called The Devil's Daughter (1972). He also wrote another script, Killing Lydia, which later became his 1978 film Foul Play. Harold and Maude was even turned into a play in Paris. Colin helped with the French translation, and the play ran for seven years!

While in Paris, Colin worked with theatre director Peter Brook. They created a play called The Ik, which was performed in Paris, London, and New York. Colin also wrote the script for the successful movie Silver Streak (1976). This movie was a big hit and helped Colin get the chance to direct his own films.

Becoming a Director

Because Silver Streak was so successful, Colin was able to direct his earlier script, Foul Play (1978). This movie was incredibly popular and launched his career as a director.

He then got an offer to rewrite and direct the comedy 9 to 5 (1980). This film, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, was another huge success.

Colin's last project was the TV movie Out on a Limb (1987), which he co-wrote and co-produced.

Legacy and Impact

Colin Higgins passed away on August 5, 1988, at the age of 47, due to an illness.

In 1986, Colin established the Colin Higgins Foundation. This foundation helps young people who are facing challenges. His unique writing style has inspired many filmmakers today, including Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen, Wes Anderson, and Paul Feig.

Colin's brother, John Higgins, is an Australian actor.

Filmography

Film and TV Work

Acting Roles

Plays for Theatre

• Harold and Maude (1972)
• The Ik (1975)