Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Robert Altman

Role / Field:

Master of ensemble cinema, known for overlapping dialogue and satirical vision.

Born:

1925-02-20

Died:

2006-11-20

Century / Era:

1925s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Robert Bernard Altman ( AWLT-mən; February 20, 1925 – November 20, 2006) was an American filmmaker. He is considered an enduring figure from the New Hollywood era, known for directing subversive and satirical films with overlapping dialogue and ensemble casts. Over his career he received numerous accolades, including an Academy Honorary Award, two BAFTAs, three Independent Spirit Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, a David di Donatello Award, and a Golden Globe, as well as nominations for seven competitive Academy Awards. Altman was nominated for five Academy Awards for Best Director for the war comedy M*A*S*H (1970), the musical film Nashville (1975), the Hollywood satire The Player (1992), the dark comedy Short Cuts (1993), and the murder mystery Gosford Park (2001).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He is also known for directing Brewster McCloud (1970), McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), The Long Goodbye (1973), California Split (1974), Thieves Like Us (1974), 3 Women (1977), A Wedding (1978), Popeye (1980), Secret Honor (1984), The Company (2003), and A Prairie Home Companion (2006). Also known for his work on television, he directed the HBO political mockumentary miniseries Tanner '88 (1988) for which he won the Primetime...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Bandura — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Pioneering psychologist known for Social Cognitive Theory and self-efficacy.
• Alexander Shulgin — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Pioneering biochemist known for synthesizing and exploring over 200 psychoactive compounds.
• Alfred Baphethuxolo Nzo — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Prominent South African politician and long-serving ANC leader.
• Aaron Spelling — Contemporary (Died in 2006) (2006): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Abu Musab al-Zarqawi — Contemporary (Died in 2006) (2006): Jordanian jihadist militant known for orchestrating violence in Iraq (1966–2006)
• Alexander Litvinenko — Contemporary (Died in 2006) (2006): Russian defector and critic of the Kremlin, known for exposing state corruption.
• Adalbert Gyrowetz — Shared historical date (02-20 · Born) (1763): Czech-Austrian composer known for symphonies and string quartets.
• Ansel Adams — Shared historical date (02-20 · Born) (1902): Iconic photographer and environmentalist celebrated for the American West's landscapes.
• Aaron Klug — Shared historical date (11-20 · Died) (2018): Pioneering biophysicist known for crystallographic electron microscopy and nucleic acid structure.
• Alfonso López Pumarejo — Shared historical date (11-20 · Died) (1959): Colombian politician and economist, known for progressive reforms and serving two non-consecutive presidential terms.
• 1925 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1925
• February 20 (02-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 20
• 2006 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2006
• November 20 (11-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 20

Frequently Asked Questions about Robert Altman