Bruce Joel Rubin

Bruce Joel Rubin is an Academy Award–winning American screenwriter, playwright, and lyricist best known for blending the mystical and the emotional in his work. Born on March 10, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, Rubin developed an early fascination with storytelling that encompassed both spiritual questions and human connection. His career has spanned film, stage, and literature, with a recurring focus on exploring the mysteries of life, death, and the unseen dimensions of existence.

Rubin first gained widespread recognition in Hollywood as the screenwriter of Ghost (1990), the romantic fantasy film starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg. The film became a cultural phenomenon and earned him the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. His success with Ghost solidified his reputation for creating emotionally resonant narratives that balance supernatural themes with grounded human relationships.

In addition to Ghost, Rubin wrote screenplays for other notable films such as Jacob’s Ladder (1990), a psychological horror that has since become a cult classic, and My Life (1993), a deeply personal story about mortality and reconciliation starring Michael Keaton and Nicole Kidman. He also contributed to projects like Deep Impact (1998) and The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009), further demonstrating his versatility and continued interest in stories where ordinary lives intersect with extraordinary circumstances.

Rubin later returned to Ghost as its co-librettist and lyricist for* Ghost: The Musical*, which premiered in Manchester, England, in 2011 before transferring to the West End and Broadway. Working alongside composer Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics and songwriter Glen Ballard, Rubin adapted his Oscar-winning film into a stage production. His book and lyrics preserved the film’s themes of love, loss, and spiritual survival while expanding the narrative into a theatrical format that combined popular music with innovative stagecraft.

Beyond his creative work, Rubin is also known for his spiritual practice and teaching. He has studied meditation and Eastern philosophies extensively, which have deeply influenced both his writing and personal life. Residing in New York City, Rubin continues to inspire audiences and students alike with his commitment to storytelling that probes life’s deepest questions, making him a distinctive voice in both film and theatre.