Ronald Shusett

Ronald Shusett (June 28, 1935 – August 29, 2024) was an American screenwriter and film producer, best known for his works in the science fiction and horror film genres. Along with co-writer Dan O'Bannon, he is the creator of the Alien film franchise.

Early life and education Shusett was born to a Jewish family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but raised in Los Angeles from the age of 3. His brother, Gary Shusett, is the founder of the Sherwood Oaks Film School. Shusett studied drama at the University of California, Los Angeles, and initially worked as a playwright. He cites Alfred Hitchcock as a major inspiration. Together they wrote the monster adventure film King Kong Lives (1986), the Steven Seagal film Above the Law (1988), and the sci-fi action film Freejack (1992). They were uncredited script doctors on Seagal's next film Hard to Kill (1990).

Shusett (with Dan O'Bannon) was the writer and producer of the 1990 Arnold Schwarzenegger film Total Recall, a project he had begun 16 years prior. He likewise received a story credit for the 2012 remake of Total Recall.

Death Shusett died on August 29, 2024, at age 89.

Filmography