Rose Leiman Goldemberg, Who Wrote ‘The Burning Bed,’ Starring Farrah Fawcett, Dies at 97

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playwright Rose Leiman Goldemberg, who earned an Emmy nomination for her television writing and is known for the telefilms ‘The Burning Bed’ featuring Farrah Fawcett and ‘Stone Pillow’ starring Lucille Ball, passed away on Monday in Cape May, New Jersey. She was 97 years old.

Born on Staten Island, this individual is not only recognized for their work but also authored the 1980 play titled “Letters Home“, a dramatization of the life of renowned poet Sylvia Plath. This piece has been translated and staged globally, and in 1986, it was adapted for television broadcast.

Her television film resume encompassed a variety of roles, including appearances in “The Land of Hope” from 1976, “Mother and Daughter: The Loving War” in 1980 (with Tuesday Weld and Frances Sternhagen), “Born Beautiful” in 1982 (featuring Erin Gray and Polly Bergen), “Florence Nightingale” in 1985 (starring Jaclyn Smith) and “The Booth” the same year, starring Teri Garr. Additionally, she was in “Dark Holiday” from 1989, alongside Lee Remick.

Goldemberg transformed “The Burning Bed,” initially aired on NBC in October 1984, from the 1980 book written by Francine Hughes – a woman who had endured domestic violence at the hands of her husband, “Mickey” Hughes, and ultimately stood trial for his murder.

As the 7th top TV drama according to critic Matt Zoller Seitz, “The Burning Bed” ignited conversations about women’s abuse. Furthermore, Farrah Fawcett, previously known for her role in “Charlie’s Angels,” proved her capability as a serious actress by portraying Francine.

The television film garnered Goldemberg two Emmy nominations, in addition to her role as co-producer, and it was awarded the Writers Guild of America prize for outstanding dramatic adaption.

In the 1985 CBS movie titled “Stone Pillow,” Ball moved away from her comedic background and took on the role of an elderly, homeless woman who resided on the bustling streets of New York City.

Hailing from Port Richmond, Staten Island, on May 17, 1928, Goldemberg started penning stories by the age of five. At just 16 years old, she enrolled at Brooklyn College in 1944. Following her bachelor’s degree, she furthered her education and obtained a master’s degree from Ohio State University.

After graduating, Goldemberg began her career at a fresh TV Guide magazine, where she critiqued scripts and composed plot synopses. With aspirations to be a screenwriter, she enrolled in courses at the American Theatre Wing and Columbia University, learning under influential figures like Lee Strasberg and Ira Cirker.

Her screenwriting career began with Sunday morning religious dramas on CBS.

In 1970, during her time as a mother and full-time educator, her play titled “Gandhiji” was selected for the O’Neill Conference. This production made its debut in 1977 at the Back Alley in Washington, ultimately winning the Robbie Award.

The television series pilot titled “The Land of Hope” depicted the immigration journey within the United States, specifically in New York’s Lower East Side during the early 1900s.

The play titled “Letters Home” made its debut at the Women’s Project held at New York’s American Place Theatre in 1979. This production dramatized the letters exchanged between Sylvia Plath and her mother. Subsequently, it was staged in cities such as London, Montreal, Copenhagen, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, and numerous others. In 1986, Chantal Akerman directed a television adaptation of this play.

The musical titled “Sophie,” which revolves around singer-actress Sophie Tucker, premiered at the Jewish Repertory Theater in 1987 with Judith Cohen in the lead role. Similarly, another production called “Picon Pie” featuring Barbara Minkus as Molly Picon debuted at the Santa Monica Playhouse in 2002, and later moved to off-Broadway in 2005.

Her work has been archived in the New York Public Library for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. 

Goldemberg additionally imparted her knowledge of English and Theater at institutions such as City College in New York, Valley College in Los Angeles, and Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. Besides this, she penned numerous books, poems, articles, and short stories.

Among those who carry on her legacy are her son Leiman, along with her nieces Kathy and Debbie, as well as nephews David and Michael. She was wedded to computer designer Raymond Schiller from 1949 to 1968, and later to cosmetic chemist Robert Goldemberg from 1969 until 1989.

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2025-07-23 02:55