Oscar-winning screenwriter Frank Pierson dies

LOS ANGELES - The Associated Press

Frank Pierson, then-president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), makes comments to the media as preparations continue for the 77th Academy Awards in Hollywood, in this February 25, 2005 file photo. REUTERS photo

The Oscar-winning screenwriter of "Dog Day Afternoon" and "Cool Hand Luke" has died.

Frank Pierson’s family says he died of natural causes Monday in Los Angeles after a short illness. He was 87.
 
He won an Oscar for writing 1975’s "Dog Day Afternoon" and was nominated for his screenplays for "Cool Hand Luke" and "Cat Ballou." He wrote and directed 1976’s "A Star is Born."
 
He most recently worked as a writer and consulting producer on TV’s "Mad Men" and "The Good Wife."
 
Pierson served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which released the news of his death Monday, from 2001 to 2005 and served as governor of its writers branch for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, two children and five grandchildren.