Charles Stuart Kaufman, more commonly known as Charlie Kaufman, is a highly acclaimed and influential figure in the film and theater industries. He was born in New York, New York on November 19, 1958, to a Jewish family, and is the son of Myron and Helen Kaufman. Kaufman has established himself as a multi-talented artist, excelling in various fields, including film production, theater and film direction, authorship, and playwriting.
Kaufman is often celebrated as one of the most brilliant and original screenwriters of the 21st century. His work is renowned for tackling complex themes such as death, insecurity, the artistic process, and the passage of time. These themes are explored in his most notable films, including "Being John Malkovich" (1999), "Adaptation" (2002), "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (2004), and "Synecdoche, New York" (2008). The unique and thought-provoking nature of his storytelling has earned him numerous accolades. In 2003, Kaufman was featured on Premiere's annual "Power 100" list at number 100. Time Magazine also recognized his influence in 2004, identifying him as one of the 100 most powerful people in Hollywood.