Winnie Holzman

Winnie Holzman (born 1954; New York City) is an American dramatist, screenwriter and poet. She is known for having created the ABC television series My So-Called Life, which led to a nomination for a scriptwriting Emmy Award in 1995, as well as her work writing for thirtysomething and Once and Again. Holzman has garnered fame for her work on Broadway, most notably for writing the book for the smash stage musical Wicked.

Early life

Holzman was born in Manhattan but grew up in Roslyn Heights, New York on Long Island. Although she was shy, she wanted to become an actor. At 13, she attended take the Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York.

Career

Holzman graduated with a degree in English and a concentration in Creative Writing at Princeton University. She won many poetry awards, including the Academy of American Poets Prize.

Holzman had been performing in sketch comedy for years, "determined to never make a dime," but on the recommendation of a college friend, she applied to attend the musical theater program at New York University. She eventually got her master's degree in Musical Theatre Writing on a full scholarship. Arthur Laurents was one of her mentors. Other teachers included Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Leonard Bernstein.