William Blinn was a prolific television writer, producer, and screenwriter, best known for creating the iconic 1970s buddy cop series Starsky & Hutch. His influence on television during the late 20th century is undeniable, as he not only created popular shows but also pushed the boundaries of storytelling on the small screen. Blinn’s creative genius helped shape television dramas, and his work laid the groundwork for the modern cop drama genre. Over the course of his long career, Blinn also contributed to other landmark series, films, and TV movies, making him one of the most respected figures in the entertainment industry.
Blinn’s work on Starsky & Hutch revolutionized the way action-packed, character-driven stories were told on television. His ability to blend intense action with character development made the show a massive success, influencing future generations of TV writers and producers. But Blinn’s career spanned far beyond this series, encompassing a diverse range of television projects, screenplays, and collaborations that left a lasting legacy in both TV and film.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
William Blinn was born on July 21, 1937, in Toledo, Ohio. Growing up in the Midwest, Blinn developed an early passion for storytelling and the arts. After completing his education, he moved to California to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, where he began working as a writer for television.
Blinn’s first foray into professional screenwriting came in the 1960s when he started writing for TV shows such as Rawhide, Bonanza, and The High Chaparral. His work in the Western genre during the early stages of his career provided him with valuable experience in crafting dramatic storylines and character arcs. Blinn quickly proved himself to be a talented and capable writer who could produce gripping, action-oriented narratives with compelling characters. This early success opened doors for him in Hollywood, allowing him to write for a broader range of television shows and formats.
Blinn’s versatility as a writer, combined with his ability to craft tight, engaging scripts, made him a valuable asset to the TV industry during a time when the landscape of television was beginning to evolve. His skill at balancing action with emotional depth would soon come into full bloom with his groundbreaking work on Starsky & Hutch.
Starsky & Hutch: A Cultural Phenomenon
In 1975, William Blinn created Starsky & Hutch, a groundbreaking buddy cop drama that aired on ABC. The show followed two streetwise detectives, David Michael Starsky (played by Paul Michael Glaser) and Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson (played by David Soul), as they fought crime in an unnamed American city. The series was a unique blend of action, humor, and drama, focusing as much on the partnership and friendship between the two lead characters as it did on solving crimes. This character-driven approach set Starsky & Hutch apart from other cop shows of the time, which tended to focus more on the procedural aspects of law enforcement.
Blinn’s vision for Starsky & Hutch was to create a show that depicted not just the lives of cops on the job but also the personal relationships, struggles, and emotional turmoil that came with the territory. The chemistry between Glaser and Soul was electric, and Blinn’s scripts allowed them to explore their characters in ways that resonated deeply with audiences. Viewers were drawn to the bond between Starsky and Hutch, a relationship that was built on trust, loyalty, and friendship, set against the backdrop of gritty urban crime.
The success of Starsky & Hutch can be attributed to Blinn’s sharp writing and his ability to blend genres, creating a show that appealed to a broad audience. The series wasn’t just about action—it also featured moments of humor, tenderness, and even social commentary. This dynamic storytelling style made Starsky & Hutch a cultural phenomenon, and it quickly became one of the most popular shows of the 1970s.
In addition to the compelling narrative and character arcs, the show became iconic for its visual elements, including Starsky’s red-and-white Ford Gran Torino and the duo’s casual, relatable style. These elements of pop culture, combined with the show’s gritty realism, left a lasting impact on television history.
Writing for Iconic Television: Roots and Beyond
While Starsky & Hutch was a defining moment in William Blinn’s career, it was by no means his only major contribution to television. One of Blinn’s most notable achievements came in 1977 when he served as a writer on the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, based on Alex Haley’s novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The miniseries, which depicted the brutal history of slavery in America through the experiences of Haley’s ancestors, became a cultural milestone and is widely regarded as one of the most important television events in history.
Blinn contributed to the writing of Roots, penning two episodes of the miniseries. His work on the project earned him critical acclaim and further solidified his reputation as a skilled and versatile writer capable of tackling complex, emotionally charged subjects. Roots went on to win multiple Emmy Awards and continues to be celebrated for its historical significance and storytelling excellence.
In addition to Roots, Blinn also created and wrote for several other television series, including The Interns (1970) and Pensacola: Wings of Gold (1997). Throughout his career, he displayed a knack for creating rich, character-driven dramas that explored the human condition in meaningful ways.
Screenwriting Career and Film Work
William Blinn’s talents were not limited to television. He also ventured into screenwriting for feature films, contributing to several popular and influential projects. In 1978, he wrote the screenplay for the film Brian’s Song, which tells the true story of the friendship between Chicago Bears football players Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers. The film, which originally aired as a TV movie, became one of the most beloved sports dramas of all time. Blinn’s script captured the emotional depth of the friendship between Piccolo and Sayers, and the film was praised for its portrayal of brotherhood, courage, and tragedy.
Blinn’s ability to navigate different genres, whether it was cop dramas, sports films, or historical epics, showcased his versatility and skill as a storyteller. He had a keen understanding of character motivation and conflict, which allowed him to create scripts that resonated deeply with audiences.
Later Career and Legacy
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, William Blinn continued to work as a writer and producer, contributing to a variety of television projects. He remained a sought-after talent in Hollywood, known for his ability to craft compelling narratives with well-developed characters. His experience and expertise helped guide many television productions during this period, and his influence can be seen in the continued popularity of the buddy cop genre and character-driven dramas.
Blinn’s legacy is rooted in his ability to blend action with heart. His work on Starsky & Hutch set a new standard for cop shows, combining gritty realism with humor and emotional depth. The show’s focus on friendship and partnership, set against the backdrop of crime and danger, has influenced countless television series that followed. Shows like Miami Vice and Lethal Weapon owe a debt to the framework Blinn established in Starsky & Hutch.
In addition to his impact on genre television, Blinn’s work on projects like Roots and Brian’s Song demonstrated his capacity to tell stories of profound social and emotional significance. His contributions to these projects earned him critical acclaim and cemented his place in the pantheon of great television writers.
William Blinn’s Lasting Influence
William Blinn passed away on October 22, 2020, at the age of 83, but his work continues to resonate with audiences today. His contributions to television, from Starsky & Hutch to Roots, have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.