A Santa Barbara author, and screenwriter who was also the oldest son of Nobel Prize winning author John Steinbeck has died.
Thomas Steinbeck had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Steinbeck was a Vietnam veteran who worked as a screenwriter, and documentary filmmaker. He became an author in his 50’s, writing three critically acclaimed books.
Steinbeck worked hard to defend his father’s legacy, fighting to protect the copyrights of legendary books like “The Grapes of Wrath.” He also adapted some of his father’s books into movies. Steinbeck died Thursday at his Santa Barbara home. He was 72 years old.
Steinbeck’s family has announced plans for a private memorial service in Big Sur.