Harold Livingston (September 4, 1924 – April 28, 2022) was an American novelist and screenwriter who was best known as the credited screenwriter for Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979).[1] Others, including Alan Dean Foster and Gene Roddenberry, also contributed to the development of the story and script.
Before his career as a writer, Livingston was a radio operator for aircraft navigational purposes and wrote a book about his adventures titled No Trophy, No Sword. He was one of the founding members of the Israeli Air Force, and was instrumental in ensuring Israel's victory during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.[2][3]
Early life and military service
Harold Livingston was born into a Jewish family in 1924 in Haverhill, Massachusetts[4] He served in the U.S. military as part of a transport squadron during World War II, an experience that laid the foundation for his future work in Israel. After the war, he joined the Israeli Air Force (IAF) Air Transport Command as a volunteer in Machal, a group of foreign volunteers who aided Israel in its struggle for independence. He played a critical role in transporting supplies and weapons from Czechoslovakia to Israel, which were essential to the young nation’s success in the war. This experience was documented in the film Above and Beyond, directed by Nancy Spielberg, which showcased American Jewish pilots like Livingston who helped establish the IAF.[3][5]
Career in writing and Hollywood
After returning to the United States, Livingston began a career in writing. He wrote for television, with credits in series like Mission: Impossible, but achieved widespread recognition for his work on Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Released in 1979, the film was a box-office success and revived the Star Trek franchise, despite receiving mixed reviews. This work marked Livingston as a significant contributor to one of the most enduring science fiction franchises in television and cinema.[3]
Legacy and influence
Livingston's diverse life experiences, from his military service to his Hollywood career, deeply influenced his writing. He was known for integrating themes of adventure, loyalty, and resilience, often inspired by his time in Israel and his life experiences. His contributions to Star Trek and Israeli history made him a notable figure in both American and Israeli communities. In a 2015 interview, he reflected on the risks he took as a volunteer, underscoring his adventurous spirit and dedication to a cause he believed in.[3]
Livingston's story was celebrated not only by his family but also by those who recognized his contributions to Israel’s independence and the American entertainment industry. His nephew Bobby Livingston described him as a “renaissance man,” who, through his various roles, documented significant events of the 20th century. His daughter Eve emphasized that he carried a deep sense of honor from his service to Israel throughout his life.[3]
