Alan Trustman, Writer of ‘Bullitt’ and ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ Passes Away at 95

Alan Trustman, Acclaimed Screenwriter, Passes Away at 95

Alan Trustman, the screenwriter behind the iconic 1968 films Bullitt and The Thomas Crown Affair, has died at the age of 95. His son, John Trustman, confirmed that he passed away on February 5 at a nursing home in Miami.

Born on December 16, 1930, in Boston, Trustman excelled academically, graduating magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1952 before completing his law degree at Harvard Law School in 1955. He began his career at Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, where he eventually became a partner and retired at the age of 37.

Trustman’s transition from law to screenwriting was inspired by his previous work at the First National Bank of Boston, where he developed insights into bank security procedures. This background informed the plot of The Thomas Crown Affair, which centers around a millionaire’s intricate bank heist.

Directed by Norman Jewison, The Thomas Crown Affair stars Steve McQueen as Thomas Crown, a wealthy man who orchestrates a bank robbery with finesse. The film features a captivating romantic subplot as investigator Vicki Anderson, played by Faye Dunaway, seeks to uncover his scheme.

Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway in ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’ (1968)

In addition to The Thomas Crown Affair, Trustman wrote Bullitt, featuring McQueen as police lieutenant Frank Bullitt, who navigates a dangerous world to protect a key witness from the mob. The film is especially noted for its dramatic car chase through San Francisco.

Trustman’s writing credits also include They Call Me Mister Tibbs! (1970), Lady Ice (1973), Hit! (1973), Crime and Passion (1975), and The Next Man (1976).

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Barbara Buchwald, son John, daughter Laurie, sister Patty, and eleven grandchildren. He was previously married to Michelle Urry, a renowned cartoon editor for Playboy, until her passing in 2006.