Born in Cleveland, OH. One of the few white people to receive an NAACP "Image" Award for creating the "Shaft" books. He came up with the character's name by looking out his publisher's window and seeing a sign that read "fire shaft." His film and television writing credits include SHAFT (1971, novel), SHAFT'S BIG SCORE (1972, also producer), HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER (1972), REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONER (1975), A FORCE OF ONE (1979, also story), "Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones" (1980, TV - also producer) and LAST PLANE OUT (1983). Was married to singer-writer Chris Clark. He died in 1984 of complications from a perforated ulcer.  Writing (Best Screenplay based on material from another medium) 1971: THE FRENCH CONNECTION 1 nomination, 1 Award