Born in Wichita Falls, TX. His father and eight uncles were all ranchers. He graduated with honors from Archer City High School, received his B.A. from North Texas State College. He earned a masters degree from Rice University in 1960 then quickly rose to international fame as a premier American writer. Films made from his novels include HUD (1963), THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (1974), LOVIN' MOLLY (1974, from Leaving Cheyenne), TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (1983), the LONESOME DOVE TV mini-series (1989), TEXASVILLE (1990), BUFFALO GIRLS (1995, TV), the STREETS OF LAREDO (1995) and DEAD MAN'S WALK (1996) TV mini-series, and THE EVENING STAR (1996). His other notable screen credits include "The Murder of Mary Phagan" (1988, TV), "Montana" (1990, TV), "Memphis" (1992, TV), FALLING FROM GRACE (1992), BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (2000) and the 2002 TV mini-series "Johnson Country War," of which he was also executive producer. McMurtry served a two-year term as president of P.E.N. American Center in New York City and operates antiquarian bookstores in Washington, DC, Texas, and Arizona. He lives in Texas.  Nominated for Writing (Best Screenplay based on material from another medium) 1971: THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (w. Peter Bogdanovich)  Best Achievement in Writing (Adapted Screenplay) 2005: BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (w. Diana Ossana) 2 nominations, 1 Award