A third-generation Hollywood writer, Whedon started out as a story editor on
Roseanne before penning the screenplay for the film
Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 1992. After reportedly script-doctoring big-budget blockbusters such as
Speed and
Twister, this geeky scribe resurrected his bloodsucking
Buffy franchise by transforming it into a prime-time series in 1997 and creating the spin-off
Angel two years later. As the shows' creator, writer, producer and, in the case of a musical episode, songwriter, Whedon maintained complete creative control over his striking blend of dark fantasy and campy humor. He took another one of his creations,
Firefly, on the opposite journey, turning the short-lived series into the movie
Serenity in 2005.
Joss Whedon Fast Facts:
- Third generation TV writer behind his father, Tom Whedon, and his grandfather, John Whedon. His grandfather, originally a playwright, later wrote for sitcoms such as The Donna Reed Show and The Dick Van Dyke Show. His father began as a television writer and later produced series including Benson and The Golden Girls.
- As well as writing and directing, he also wrote all the songs for the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Once More with Feeling." The songs were released on a CD.
- First acted on the set of Angel playing Numfar of the Deathwok Clan in the episode "Through the Looking Glass."
- Cited Stephen Sondheim as "the single most influential artist" in his life. What Sondheim says in his music and lyrics, Whedon said "is the most honest, perceptive expression of the human experience I know."
- Joss Whedon Relationships:
- John Whedon - Grandfather
- Kai Cole - Wife
- Matthew Whedon - Brother
- Samuel Whedon - Brother
- Tom Whedon - Father
- Joss Whedon Awards:
- 2000 Emmy: Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series - Nominee
- 1995 Oscar: Best Writing (Original Screenplay) - Nominee
- 2009 Emmy: Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Programs - Winner
- College:
- Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT (BA, Film Studies, 1987)
