Author, Motion Picture Screenwriter. He will be remembered for penning the bestselling novel “Dances with Wolves” (1988). The work was made into a motion picture adaptation in 1990, which starred and was directed by Kevin Costner. Blake earned both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for his writing of the script. Born Michael Lennox Blake, his family relocated multiple times including a period in Texas, prior to settling in California. He initiated his writing career for a base newspaper, during his service with the United States Air Force. He later enrolled at the University of New Mexico and studied Journalism, prior to returning to California, where he pursued writing screenplays. In 1983, he penned his first script “Stacy’s Knights”, which starred a relatively-unknown Kevin Costner and from this experience, the two formed a friendship. His sequel to “Dances with Wolves” titled “The Holy Road” was published in 2004. Blake struggled with health issues, as he battled Hodgkins disease twice. (bio by: C.S.)