William Broyles, Jr.

William Dodson Broyles Jr. (born October 8, 1944) is an American journalist, screenwriter, and former United States Marine Corps officer. He created the television series China Beach (1988-91) and Six (2017-18), and wrote such films as Apollo 13 (1995), Cast Away (2000), Planet of the Apes (2001), Unfaithful (2002), The Polar Express (2004), Jarhead (2005) and Flags of Our Fathers (2006). His work on Apollo 13 earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Broyles' co-founded Texas Monthly magazine, and served as editor of Newsweek from 1982 to 1984. Early life Broyles was born in Houston, Texas, the son of Elizabeth (née Bills) and William Dodson Broyles. He was raised in Baytown, Texas, graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and attended Rice University, earning a B.A. degree in History in 1966. While at Rice, Broyles was an active member of the student body and a contributing editor to the student newspaper, the Rice Thresher. As early as 1966, Broyles was also contributing articles to the Houston Post. Broyles served as president of the Rice student association during the 1965–1966 academic year, and was awarded the Hugh Scott Cameron award for outstanding community service. He has remained a strong supporter of the University throughout his career, delivering the commencement speech in 1983, and receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993.