TV Writer, Caitlyn Jenner Co-Author, Dies at Runyon
William Hasley, a renowned writer known for his work on TV series such as “The Smurfs” and his collaboration with Caitlyn Jenner on an inspirational book, has tragically been identified as the hiker who was found deceased on Hollywood’s popular Runyon Canyon trail on Saturday evening. He was 78 years old.
Hasley, who was previously married to actress Robin Riker from “The Bold and the Beautiful,” passed away just two weeks after another individual in his 40s suffered a fatal cardiac arrest on the same trail.
According to reports from the Los Angeles Fire Department, rescuers were lowered to the scene by LAFD Air Operations to administer medical treatment to Hasley. Unfortunately, officials later pronounced him dead at the location.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Hasley graduated from Marshall University, where he excelled in football and cross-country. His career in animation kicked off with writing for popular shows like “The Smurfs” and “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids” produced by Hanna-Barbera and Filmation.
A dedicated sports enthusiast, Hasley collaborated with NBC-TV on the special “Star Salute to the U.S. Olympic Team,” where he crossed paths with Caitlyn Jenner. Jenner subsequently enlisted Hasley to pen the motivational book “Finding the Champion Within” for Simon & Schuster. His literary contributions expanded to ghostwriting other motivational works like “Passion, Profit & Power” and “The Slight Edge,” along with “Chasing the Wind, The Autobiography of Steve Fossett.” Additionally, he served as a producer on two TV specials focusing on the enigmatic aviator.
His creative endeavors extended to developing the pilot “Borderline Heroes,” which was successfully sold to ABC, and crafting the half-hour comedy pilot “Steeltown” for Castle Rock Entertainment. Hasley also worked on the development of the pilot “Brooklyn District.”
In his illustrious career, Hasley collaborated with industry heavyweights like Oliver Stone and Gerald Green on projects such as “Defiance” and contributed to episodes of “The Young Riders” and “Swift Justice.”
Aside from his professional accomplishments, Hasley dedicated time to teaching writing at UCLA and actively participated in various charitable events throughout his life.
The passing of William Hasley marks a significant loss in the entertainment industry, with his legacy as a talented writer and compassionate individual leaving a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of working with him.
