John Briley

John Briley

Deceased · Born: Jun 25, 1925 · Died: Dec 14, 2019

Personal Details

BornJun 25, 1925 Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Spouse
  • Nancy Helmich Whitcomb

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 14, 2019 )
  • Dorothy Reichart

    ( May 15, 2025 to May 15, 2025 )
  • Valerie Belsky

Biography

John Briley, a renowned writer and producer, burst onto the scene on June 25, 1925, in the picturesque and captivating city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, a locale that would eventually provide the setting for his remarkable odyssey.

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on June 25, 1925, John Briley was destined for greatness.

Briley's extraordinary talent as a masterful storyteller has had a profound and lasting impact on the world of entertainment, leaving behind a diverse and impressive collection of cinematic masterpieces that have captivated and enthralled audiences from around the globe.

One of his most remarkable and enduring achievements is the critically acclaimed film "Gandhi", released in 1982, which serves as a shining example of his exceptional skill and artistry as a filmmaker. This groundbreaking and highly acclaimed production has earned widespread recognition and critical acclaim, solidifying Briley's position as a visionary and innovative storyteller.

Briley's remarkable body of work boasts an impressive array of cinematic masterpieces, with one such standout being the emotionally charged drama "Molokai" (1999). This powerful and moving portrayal of the human experience had a profound impact on audiences worldwide, effortlessly tugging at the heartstrings and evoking a deep sense of empathy and understanding.

Furthermore, his historical epic "Christopher Columbus: The Discovery" (1992) serves as a testament to his skill in bringing to life the fascinating stories of the past. This meticulously crafted film transported viewers back in time, immersing them in the thrill of discovery and allowing them to experience the excitement and adventure that accompanied Columbus's groundbreaking voyages.

With a career spanning decades, Briley's impressive repertoire is a true reflection of his dedication to his craft and his ability to craft compelling narratives that captivate and inspire audiences.

John Briley's illustrious career has been marked by an extraordinary capacity to skillfully intertwine intricate narratives, fashioning captivating and intellectually stimulating tales that have captivated audiences worldwide.

His remarkable body of work serves as a poignant tribute to his innate talent, his unrelenting commitment to his craft, and his unshakeable passion for storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

Throughout the entirety of his existence, Briley was blessed with the profound and enduring presence of three extraordinary women, each of whom brought their own distinctive qualities, characteristics, and attributes to his life, leaving an indelible, lasting, and unforgettable mark upon his existence, forever altering the trajectory of his life's journey.

Biography:

Briley's life was marked by the profound influence of these three extraordinary women, who each played a vital role in shaping his character, values, and worldview.

Nancy Helmich Whitcomb, a remarkable individual of considerable influence, made a profoundly significant contribution to the life of this notable person, furnishing them with a sense of stability, comfort, and security that undoubtedly had a profound and lasting impact on their emotional and psychological well-being.

Dorothy Reichart, a truly exceptional individual, injected her own unique essence and character into his existence, thereby generating a palpable atmosphere of thrill, exploration, and limitless potential. This, in turn, likely played a significant role in molding his perspective and influencing his thought processes, ultimately shaping the decisions he made throughout his life.

Valerie Belsky, the third of these extraordinary individuals, formed a profound bond with Briley, marked by an intense emotional closeness, an unshakeable sense of trust, and a profound comprehension of one another, which undoubtedly served as a source of fortitude, solace, and inspiration for him throughout his life, providing a foundation of emotional support and stability that was unwavering and unrelenting.

John Briley's extraordinary life was a shining embodiment of the transformative potential of creativity and innovation, as he left an indelible and lasting impact on the world of entertainment, his remarkable and multifaceted journey spanning numerous decades, and ultimately resulting in a legacy that will forever be enshrined in the storied annals of history.

Career

{"id":87731,"title":"Situation Hopeless -- But Not Serious","year":"1965","character":"Sergeant (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/situation-hopeless-but-not-serious","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_87731.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_87731.jpg"},"released":1}
1965
{"id":55243,"title":"Molokai","year":"1999","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/molokai","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_55243.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_55243.jpg"},"released":1}
1999
Molokai
Molokai as Writer
{"id":44599,"title":"Christopher Columbus: The Discovery","year":"1992","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/christopher-columbus-the-discovery","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_44599.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_44599.jpg"},"released":1}
1992
{"id":7540,"title":"Cry Freedom","year":"1987","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/cry-freedom","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/43pjh2jkkov0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/43pjh2jkkov0.jpg"},"released":1}
1987
Cry Freedom
Cry Freedom as Screenplay
{"id":7814,"title":"Tai-Pan","year":"1986","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/tai-pan","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_7814.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_7814.jpg"},"released":1}
1986
Tai-Pan
Tai-Pan as Screenplay
{"id":62452,"title":"Marie","year":"1985","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/marie","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_62452.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_62452.jpg"},"released":1}
1985
Marie
Marie as Screenplay
{"id":1212,"title":"Gandhi","year":"1982","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/gandhi","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5gsv07vbc1e0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5gsv07vbc1e0.jpg"},"released":1}
1982
Gandhi
Gandhi as Writer
{"id":22877,"title":"Enigma","year":"1982","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/enigma","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_22877.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_22877.jpg"},"released":1}
Enigma
Enigma as Screenplay
{"id":24428,"title":"Eagle's Wing","year":"1979","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/eagles-wing","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_24428.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_24428.jpg"},"released":1}
1979
Eagle's Wing
Eagle's Wing as Screenplay
{"id":13355,"title":"The Medusa Touch","year":"1978","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-medusa-touch","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1i75mn2hc49o.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1i75mn2hc49o.jpg"},"released":1}
1978
The Medusa Touch
The Medusa Touch as Screenplay
{"id":164131,"title":"That Lucky Touch","year":"1975","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/that-lucky-touch","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_164131.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_164131.jpg"},"released":1}
1975
That Lucky Touch
That Lucky Touch as Screenplay
{"id":86685,"title":"Pope Joan","year":"1972","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/pope-joan","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_86685.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_86685.jpg"},"released":1}
1972
Pope Joan
Pope Joan as Screenplay
{"id":65722,"title":"Children of the Damned","year":"1964","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/children-of-the-damned","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_65722.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_65722.jpg"},"released":1}
1964
{"id":94518,"title":"Postman's Knock","year":"1962","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/postmans-knock-1962","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_94518.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_94518.jpg"},"released":1}
1962
Postman's Knock
Postman's Knock as Screenplay
{"id":94572,"title":"Invasion Quartet","year":"1961","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/invasion-quartet","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_94572.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_94572.jpg"},"released":1}
1961
Invasion Quartet
Invasion Quartet as Screenplay