Damon Lindelof | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Lindelof in 2017 | |
| Born | Damon Laurence Lindelof (1973-04-24)April 24, 1973 (age 52) Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.[1] |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1999–present |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 1 |
Damon Laurence Lindelof (born April 24, 1973) is an American screenwriter, comic book writer, and producer. Among his accolades, he has received threePrimetime Emmy Awards, from twelve nominations. In 2010,Time magazine named him one of the100 most influential people in the world.[2]
Lindelof is best known as the creator and showrunner of numerous critically acclaimed television series, such as theABC science fiction drama seriesLost (2004–2010), theHBO supernatural drama seriesThe Leftovers (2014–2017), the HBO superhero limited seriesWatchmen (2019), and thePeacock science fiction limited seriesMrs. Davis (2023).
Lindelof was also a writer on theCBS crime drama seriesNash Bridges (2000–2001) and theNBC crime drama seriesCrossing Jordan (2001–2004). He co-wrote the filmsCowboys & Aliens (2011),Prometheus (2012),Star Trek Into Darkness (2013),World War Z (2013), andTomorrowland (2015).
Lindelof was born inEnglewood, New Jersey, the son of Susan (Klausner), a teacher, and David Herbert Lindelof, a bank manager.[3][4] Lindelof's mother isAshkenazi Jewish, with family fromBiałystok,Poland. His father's ancestry included Swedish (where his Lindelof great-grandfather was born, in Välinge,Malmöhus), Norwegian, Spanish, and German.[1][5][6][7] Lindelof celebrated hisBar Mitzvah in Teaneck, where he attendedsynagogue.[8]
Lindelof went toTeaneck High School, a school whose diverse student body he credits with expanding his horizons as a writer.[9] He has stated, "I was a Jewish white kid growing up in Teaneck, but at the same time, I had African and Filipino and Asian friends and to have that experience all through high school while getting an awesome education was wonderful."[8] He attended film school atNew York University, performing briefly in the band Petting Zoo, and moved to Los Angeles after graduating.
An early boost to Lindelof's writing career came in 1999, when he was selected as a semifinalist for a Nicholl Fellowship for his screenplayPerfectionists.[10] Before this, he had worked on reviewing scripts atParamount,Fox, andAlan Ladd studios.
In 1999, Lindelof began his professional career as a writer on the drama seriesWasteland and the anthology seriesUndressed. He received further attention as a writer on theCBS crime drama seriesNash Bridges, which he worked on from 2000 to 2001. He then wrote and produced theNBC crime drama seriesCrossing Jordan, which he worked on until the end of its third season.
In 2004, Lindelof received further recognition and success as an executive producer andshowrunner (alongsideCarlton Cuse) on the drama seriesLost. The series was praised for its unique brand of storytelling and strong characters. The first two seasons of the show were ratings juggernauts and the show never fell out of theTop 30 throughout its six seasons on the air. Lindelof's work onLost garnerednumerous awards and nominations throughout its run, including winning thePrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2005.[11]
Lindelof and theLost writing staff won theWriters Guild of America Award for Best Dramatic Series at theFebruary 2006 ceremony for their work on thefirst andsecond seasons.[12] He was nominated for the WGA Award for Best Dramatic Series a further three times: namely, theFebruary 2007 ceremony for his work on the second andthird seasons,[13] at theFebruary 2009 ceremony for his work on thefourth season[14] and at theFebruary 2010 ceremony for his work on thefifth season.[15] Lindelof and his co-writerDrew Goddard were also nominated for the WGA Award for Best Episodic Drama at theFebruary 2008 ceremony for writing the episode "Flashes Before Your Eyes".[16]
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Lindelof and co-showrunner Carlton Cuse have been heralded as two of the first to truly embrace the changing times with things such as their daily podcast and being active in the fan community. A majority of the six seasons were met with critical praise, but both Lindelof and Cuse were not afraid to address critiques on the show, be it through the podcast or other forms of media. However, Lindelof said in late 2013 that he would no longer be addressing those displeased with the way the show ended, stating:
And what do I do? I jump at the opportunity to acknowledge how many people were dissatisfied with how it ended. I try to be self-deprecating and witty when I do this, but that's an elaborate (or obvious?) defense mechanism to let people know I'm fully aware of the elephant in the room and I'm perfectly fine with it sitting down on my face and shitting all over me ... And here's my part: I will finally stop talking about it. I'm not doing this because I feel entitled or above it — I'm doing it because I accept that I will not change hearts nor minds. I will not convince you they weren't dead the whole time, nor resent you for believing they were despite my infinite declarations otherwise.[17]
Lindelof was featured on a December 2008 episode ofThe Write Environment, a public television series featuring in-depth, candid one-on-one interviews with some of TV's most prolific and well-known series creator and writers. The interview is also available on DVD.[18][19]
While approaching the end ofLost, it was rumored that Lindelof and series co-creatorJ. J. Abrams would write and direct a film adaptation of Stephen King'sThe Dark Tower series. Lindelof dismissed this in a Q&A withUSA Today in late 2009. He commented, "After working six years onLost, the last thing I want to do is spend the next seven years adapting one of my favorite books of all time. I'm such a massive Stephen King fan that I'm terrified of screwing it up. I'd do anything to see those movies written by someone else. My guess is they will get made because they're so incredible. But not by me."[20] Lindelof later served as co-producer on the 2009 science fiction action film,Star Trek, which was directed by frequent collaborator J. J. Abrams.
In May 2023, Lindelof and Cuse were accused of fostering a "toxic workplace" by several cast members and writers during their tenure onLost. In an excerpt from the bookBurn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood, authorMaureen Ryan interviewed various actors, writers, and crew members from the series on the alleged toxicity behind the scenes. Multiple sources claimed that Lindelof had said about the departure ofHarold Perrineau from the series that the actor "called me racist, so I fired his ass."[21] Lindelof responded to the allegations by saying, "I have no recollection of those specific things. And that's not me saying that they didn't happen. I'm just saying that it's literally baffling my brain—that they did happen and that I bore witness to them or that I said them. To think that they came out of my mouth or the mouths of people that I still consider friends is just not computing."[18] Lindelof acknowledged personal failings during his time as showrunner onLost, saying "My level of fundamental inexperience as a manager and a boss, my role as someone who was supposed to model a climate of creative danger and risk-taking but provide safety and comfort inside of the creative process—I failed in that endeavor" and "I have significantly evolved and grown, and it shouldn't have had to come at the cost and the trauma of people that I hurt onLost."[18]
In 2011, Lindelof aided in development of the fantasy seriesOnce Upon a Time, which was created by formerLost writersEdward Kitsis andAdam Horowitz. He was not officially credited in the pilot.[22] Also in 2011, Lindelof,Alex Kurtzman, andRoberto Orci, and several other writers, contributed to the screenplay of thefilm version of the comic book seriesCowboys & Aliens.
Lindelof co-wrote the screenplay for Ridley Scott's science fiction filmPrometheus, which was released in June 2012 to commercial success. Lindelof also produced the 2013 science fiction action sequel,Star Trek Into Darkness, and cowrote its screenplay with Kurtzman and Orci. Also that year, he co-wrote the screenplay for the action adventure filmWorld War Z.
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He co-wrote the screenplay for the science fiction adventure filmTomorrowland with directorBrad Bird, based on a story by Lindelof, Bird, andJeff Jensen. The film was in development for many years before being released in 2015.[23][24]
In 2014, Lindelof co-created theHBO supernatural drama seriesThe Leftovers withTom Perrotta, based on Perrotta'snovel of the same name.[25][26] He also served as showrunner and executive producer throughout the show's three seasons.[27] The series received widespread critical acclaim. Many critics referred toThe Leftovers as one of the greatest television series of all time,[28][29][30][31][32] with particular praise for its writing, directing, acting and thematic depth. Despite receiving averageNielsen ratings throughout its run, the series has developed acult following.[33][34][35]
In August 2018, it was announced that Lindelof would be adaptingAlan Moore'sWatchmen as a series for HBO. He had previously been quoted as saying it was his favorite graphic novel and a huge inspiration onLost.[36] The series, which features an original story set after the events of the graphic novel, premiered in 2019 to critical acclaim. Onreview aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, the series has a 95% rating based on 112 reviews, with an average rating of 8.58/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Bold and bristling,Watchmen isn't always easy viewing, but by adding new layers of cultural context and a host of complex characters it expertly builds on its source material to create an impressive identity of its own."[37] While HBO had not confirmed a second season following the show's broadcast, Lindelof stated that if there were, he would not likely be back for it, but instead have another producer step forward to tell another story set in this universe. Lindelof said he felt that the show was "not my story" and that "These nine episodes are sort of everything that I have to say at this point aboutWatchmen".[38]
In 2019, Lindelof joined a host of other writers in firing their agents as part of theWGA's stand against theATA and the practice ofpackaging.[39]
In 2020, Lindelof wrote and produced the horror thriller filmThe Hunt. The film attracted some media controversy for its political subject matter,[40] and received mixed reviews upon release. After a wide release run for almost a week, COVID-19 regulations forced theaters to close, and the film subsequently played almost exclusively at drive-ins.[41]
In 2022, Lindelof was announced as a writer of an upcomingStar Wars movie withSharmeen Obaid-Chinoy set to direct.[42] He turned in a draft and left the project in 2023 withSteven Knight replacing him.[43][44]
In 2024, Lindelof along with Chris Mundy andTom King wrote the pilot script and series bible forDC Universe (DCU) seriesLanterns, confirmed by co-CEO ofDC StudiosJames Gunn[45]
Lindelof is the writer of the six-issue comic-book miniseriesUltimate Wolverine vs. Hulk forMarvel Comics, which takes place in theUltimate Marvel universe.[46] It began publication in January 2006. Production was suspended after the second issue in February 2006 due to Lindelof's heavy workload elsewhere. The last of the scripts was submitted to Marvel in 2008 and the series resumed publication in March 2009.
He also wrote the first issue of the comic book seriesLegends of the Dark Knight (Vol. 2), published byDC comics, in June 2012.
Lindelof wrote aRip Hunter story forTime Warp No. 1 (May 2013) which was drawn byJeff Lemire and published byVertigo.[47][48]
Lindelof frequently collaborates with a tightly knit group of film professionals which includeJ. J. Abrams,Adam Horowitz,Alex Kurtzman,Roberto Orci,Edward Kitsis,Andre Nemec,Josh Appelbaum,Jeff Pinkner, andBryan Burk.[6]
Lindelof is a self-professedStephen King fan and has placed many references to King's work intoLost, as well as mentioning within theOfficial Lost Podcast thatThe Stand serves as a huge influence. Lindelof has been quoted as saying that thegraphic novelWatchmen, written byAlan Moore, is the greatest piece of popular fiction ever produced, and its effect onLost is evident many times in the show. He has also mentionedDavid Lynch'sTwin Peaks as a big influence forLost.[49][50]
J. J. Abrams had often cited Patrick McGoohan's similarly allegorical sci-fi/spy seriesThe Prisoner as another major influence onLost. Lindelof lists his favorite six films, in no particular order, asTouch of Evil,Raiders of the Lost Ark,Pulp Fiction,The Shining,Bambi, andThe Godfather Part II.[51] Lindelof is a fan of the television seriesThe Wire,Breaking Bad, andBattlestar Galactica.
Lindelof married Heidi Mary Fugeman in 2005; the couple has one child.[52]
| † | Denotes productions that have not yet been released |
| Year | Title | Writer | Producer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Star Trek | (uncredited) | Yes | |
| 2010 | Ollie Klublershturf vs. the Nazis | Yes | Executive | Short film |
| 2011 | Cowboys & Aliens | Yes | Executive (uncredited) | |
| 2012 | Prometheus | Yes | Executive | |
| 2013 | Open Heart | No | Executive | Documentary |
| Star Trek Into Darkness | Yes | Yes | ||
| World War Z | Yes | No | ||
| 2015 | Tomorrowland | Yes | Yes | |
| 2017 | Bending the Arc | No | Executive | Documentary |
| 2020 | The Hunt | Yes | Yes | |
| 2022 | Another Country | No | Yes | Short film |
| Year | Title | Creator | Writer | Executive Producer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Wasteland | No | Yes | No | Episodes: "Defining Moments" and "Death Becomes Her" |
| Undressed | No | Yes | No | N/A | |
| 2000–2001 | Nash Bridges | No | Yes | No | Writer (5 episodes); Story editor (22 episodes) |
| 2001–2004 | Crossing Jordan | No | Yes | Yes | Writer (9 episodes); Executive story editor (22 episodes); Co-producer (22 episodes); Supervising producer (13 episodes) |
| 2004–2010 | Lost | Yes | Yes | Yes | Writer (45 episodes); Executive producer (121 episodes) |
| 2007–2008 | Lost: Missing Pieces | No | Yes | Yes | Writer (3 episodes); Executive producer (13 episodes) |
| 2014–2017 | The Leftovers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Writer (26 episodes); Executive producer (28 episodes) |
| 2014 | Phineas and Ferb | No | Story | No | Episode: "Lost in Danville"[53] |
| 2019 | Watchmen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Writer (8 episodes); Executive producer (9 episodes) |
| 2023 | Mrs. Davis | Yes | Yes | Yes | Writer (3 episodes; Executive producer (8 episodes)[54] |
| 2026 | Lanterns | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Year | Title | Writer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2009 | Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk | Yes | Miniseries, 6 issues |
| 2012 | Legends of the Dark Knight (Vol. 2) | Yes | Issue #1 |
| 2013 | Time Warp | Yes | One-shot, Story: "R.I.P."[48] |
| Year | Title | Writer | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Find 815 | No | Yes |
| Lost: Via Domus | Yes | No |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Lost | John Locke's Hand | Episode: "?" |
| 2011 | House | Kicking Man | Episode: "The Dig" |
| 2012 | Once Upon a Time | Bill Gozen | Episode: "7:15 A.M." |
| 2017 | The Leftovers | Man in Koala Suit | Episode: "G'Day Melbourne" |
| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Outstanding Drama Series | Lost | Won |
| Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series | Nominated | ||
| 2006 | Nominated | ||
| 2007 | Nominated | ||
| 2008 | Outstanding Drama Series | Nominated | |
| Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program | Lost: Missing Pieces | Nominated | |
| 2009 | Outstanding Drama Series | Lost | Nominated |
| Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series | Nominated | ||
| 2010 | Outstanding Drama Series | Nominated | |
| Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series | Nominated | ||
| 2020 | Outstanding Limited Series | Watchmen | Won |
| Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special | Watchmen Episode: "This Extraordinary Being" | Won |
| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Best Episodic Drama | Lost | Won |
| 2007 | Nominated | ||
| 2008 | Nominated | ||
| 2009 | Nominated | ||
| 2010 | Nominated | ||
| Best Theatrical Motion Picture | Star Trek | Nominated | |
| 2011 | Best Episodic Drama | Lost | Nominated |
| 2020 | Watchmen | Nominated |
| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Dramatic Series | Lost | Won |
| 2007 | Nominated | ||
| 2008 | Episodic Drama | Nominated | |
| 2009 | Dramatic Series | Nominated | |
| 2010 | Nominated | ||
| 2011 | Episodic Drama | Nominated | |
| 2015 | Long Form – Adapted | The Leftovers | Nominated |
| 2016 | Episodic Drama | Nominated | |
| 2018 | Nominated | ||
| 2020 | Drama Series | Watchmen | Nominated |
| New Series | Won |
We're all self-deprecating short Jews, with the exception of Bob Orci.
He and his family attended the local synagogue on weekends and a 13-year-old Damon had his bar mitzvah in Teaneck. ... But he does say his childhood and Jewish background have added to who he is today. 'The area was culturally diverse and that is one of the reasons I loved it. I didn't have the experience of some other people I've met who say they were 15 before they saw someone who wasn't white or that they hadn't met a Jewish person yet.'
Lindelof got into the production end of television while at Teaneck High School, where he worked on a start-up TV news program. ... What was cool about growing up in New Jersey, especially Bergen County, is it was very diverse. ... I literally went to high school with people of all different races and ethnicities and backgrounds. That broadened my horizons as a writer. It made me interested in other people's stories[permanent dead link]
