Melissa MathisonBirth Chart

Melissa Mathison was an American screenwriter and activist, known for scripts that impacted both commercial and independent cinema. She attained international fame with E.T. — The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and wrote films such as The Black Stallion (1979), The Indian in the Cupboard (1995) and Kundun (1997), the latter honored by the Dalai Lama with the Prize of Truth for its portrayal of the Tibetan leader’s life. Originally a political science student, she left university to work as an assistant director, forging ties with filmmakers such as Francis Ford Coppola — an experience that launched her career as a screenwriter. Her work moved between mainstream entertainment films and projects with a strong personal and historical focus. Alongside her professional work, Mathison was an activist for Tibetan rights and autonomy, serving on the board of the International Campaign for Tibet and speaking publicly in campaigns and testimonies that drew attention to the cause. Her advocacy made her persona non grata with Chinese authorities. She died in 2015 of a neuroendocrine cancer, leaving a legacy in screenwriting and Tibetan advocacy, remembered for her ability to work on major productions as well as films engaged with human and historical issues.