‘Wicked’ Screenwriter Winnie Holzman to Be Honored by NYU Tisch School of the Arts

Winnie Holzman, best known for her work on Wicked and My So-Called Life, will be honored by her alma mater, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, at its annual gala on April 7 at Cipriani South Street.

Holzman wrote the book for the blockbuster stage musical Wicked, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. She is also the co-writer (with Dana Fox) of the screenplay for both Wicked and the forthcoming Wicked: For Good.

Holzman attended Princeton University and was part of the inaugural class of the NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. “My experience at the NYU Musical Theatre Program was a turning point in my life, so this honor holds deep meaning for me,” Holzman said in a statement. 

Holzman received a Primetime Emmy nomination in 1995 for outstanding individual achievement in writing in a drama series for ABC’s My So-Called Life, which she created. Claire Danes and Jared Leto were among the cast members of the show, which ran for just one season, but has become a cult favorite. She received a Tony nomination in 2004 for best book (musical) for Wicked.

In addition to her work in television, film and musical theater, Holzman has written  several plays, including Post-Its: Notes on a Marriage and Assisted Living, both with her husband, actor Paul Dooley.

Since its founding in 1965, the NYU Tisch School of the Arts has established itself as one of the leading arts schools in the country. Holzman was in the class of 1983.