Luedtke was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan[2] on September 28, 1939.[3] His father, Herman, worked as a lumber broker; his mother was named Virginia. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Brown University, then joined the fast-track summer law program at theUniversity of Michigan Law School. However, he switched career paths after traveling to the Southern United States to observe the unfoldingcivil rights movement and penned several articles on the subject as a freelancer. He then studied at the Medill School of Journalism of Northwestern University.[2]
Luedtke became a newspaper reporter, first in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and then at theMiami Herald.[4] Luedtke moved to theDetroit Free Press in 1965. He started off as general assignment reporter, then rose to executive editor at age 33.[5][4]
Luedtke left the Free Press and quit journalism altogether in 1978.[2] He moved to Hollywood to break into the film business, where his only entry was as a screenwriter.[4] His intention was to write a book, but his idea for a book about reporting came to the attention ofOrion Pictures, which optioned it before it was written for $20,000 and pitched it to directorGeorge Roy Hill, who liked it but was unavailable to help on the screenplay.[4] Luedtke offered to write the screenplay for free providing that he could have his idea back if Orion didn't proceed with the movie.[4] Ultimately, Sydney Pollack was available to direct the movie, which becameAbsence of Malice, beginning the working relationship between the two men.[4] Luedtke received a nomination for theAcademy Award for Best Original Screenplay, a rare accomplishment for a first-time screenwriter. He again collaborated with Pollack inOut of Africa (1985).[2] The film won seven Oscars (from 11 nominations),[6] including Luedtke's award forBest Adapted Screenplay.[2] His final partnership with Pollack came inRandom Hearts, released in 1999.[7][8]
Luedtke was married to Eleanor for 55 years until his death. The two met while they were working at theMiami Herald. He recovered from cancer on two occasions.[2]
On August 9, 2020, Luedtke died from multiple organ failure at Beaumont Hospital inRoyal Oak, Michigan, at the age of 80.[2][9]
