'Passion of the Christ' Co-Writer Benedict Fitzgerald Dies at 74

Fitzgerald, also known for his adaptation of Flannery O’Connor’s 'Wise Blood', passed away after a long illness at his home in Sicily.

Benedict Fitzgerald, co-writer of 'The Passion of the Christ', died at 74 after a long illness at his home in Marsala, Sicily.
Fitzgerald was known for his work on Mel Gibson’s 2004 Biblical epic, the highest-grossing Christian film, as well as the highest-grossing independent film of all time.
His other notable works include co-writing the screenplay for John Huston’s 'Wise Blood' (1979), the adaptation of Flannery O’Connor’s novel.
Fitzgerald was born into a literary household and his family's connection to the writer Flannery O’Connor helped his move into screenwriting.
He is survived by his wife Karen, daughters Eugenie, Helena and Olimpia and three grandchildren, as well as siblings Ughetta, Maria, Michael, Barnaby and Caterina.