William Hjortsberg was a writer best known for writing the screenplay for Legend and the novel Falling Angel, which was adapted into the film Angel Heart, starring Robert De Niro, Mickey Rourke and Lisa Bonet.
1985's Legend was a fantasy adventure film starring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara and Tim Curry and directed by Ridley Scott.
He authored 10 books and three screenplays in total, including the film Thunder and Lightning and the television movie The Georgia Peaches.
Hjortsberg died April 22, 2017, in Livingston, Montana. He was 76.