J. Michael Straczynski

Birth Name:

Joseph Michael Straczinski

Birth Place:

Paterson, New Jersey, United States

Profession

Writer, Producer, Director, Actor, Soundtrack

In 1992, an asteroid discovered at the Kitt Peak National Observatory was named in his honor
Was awarded the 1996 and 1997 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation for his work on "Babylon 5․"
Got his big break in writing after publishing an adaptation of "Snow White" with Performance Publishing
In college, he got his start writing articles for his school's student-run newspaper
Quote: "Writing is all about creating your own unique voice and point of view․"
Quote: "(On casting "Babylon 5") "I would just sit in the room until the character walked in the door․ I always have a very strong image in my head of what the character is, and I just wait until someone walks in with that character․""
Earned degrees in psychology and sociology at San Diego State University
His college newspaper was jokingly referred to as the "Daily Joe" because of the immense number of articles he wrote for the paper
Used over 6,000 different sources for his screenplay for "Changeling․"
Was so nervous to pitch "Babylon 5" to studio executives that he cracked a molar while grinding his teeth during his preparations

1988Gemini - Best Writing in a Dramatic Series:Nominated
1994Hugo - Best Dramatic Presentation:Nominated
1996Hugo - Best Dramatic Presentation:Winner
1997Hugo - Best Dramatic Presentation:Winner
1997SFX Award - SFX Hame of Fame for Contributions to SF/Fantasy TV in 1996:Winner
1999Hugo - Best Dramatic Presentation:Nominated
1999Bradbury AwardWinner
2009Movies for Grownups Award - Best Screenwriter:Winner
2009Saturn Award - Best Writing:Nominated
2009BAFTA Film Award - Best Screenplay - Original:Nominated
2019PGA Award - Outstanding Producer of Streamed or Televised Motion Pictures:Nominated

Fast Facts