Full History Of Aaron Sorkin In Timeline From 1961

June 9, 1961: Birth of Aaron Sorkin

On June 9, 1961, Aaron Benjamin Sorkin was born in New York City. He would go on to become a celebrated playwright, screenwriter, and film director known for his fast-paced dialogue and exploration of political and social themes.

1968: Chicago Democratic Convention Riots

The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was marked by significant protests and riots, events that would later become the subject of Aaron Sorkin's film "The Trial of the Chicago 7."

1979: Graduation from Scarsdale High School

In 1979, Sorkin graduated from Scarsdale High School, where he was actively involved in the drama and theatre club.

1979: Sorkin Attends Syracuse University

Sorkin began attending Syracuse University in 1979 to pursue his passion for acting and theatre.

1983: Graduation from Syracuse University

Sorkin graduated from Syracuse University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre. His time at the university solidified his passion for writing and theatre.

1984: First Play Staged at Syracuse University

In 1984, Sorkin's first play, "Removing All Doubt," was staged at his alma mater, Syracuse University, marking the beginning of his playwrighting career.

1987: Aaron Sorkin begins using marijuana and cocaine

Aaron Sorkin's use of marijuana and cocaine commenced in 1987.

1988: Sale of Film Rights for "A Few Good Men"

Sorkin sold the film rights to his play "A Few Good Men" to producer David Brown in 1988, even before the play premiered on stage.

1988: Off-Off-Broadway Debut with "Hidden in This Picture"

Sorkin's play "Hidden in This Picture" debuted off-off-Broadway at Steve Olsen's West Bank Cafe Downstairs Theatre Bar in New York City in 1988. The play's success helped him gain recognition and secure a theatrical agent.

1989: Broadway Debut with "A Few Good Men"

Aaron Sorkin's play "A Few Good Men" opened on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre in 1989. The play, centered on a military court case, was a critical and commercial success and would later be adapted into a film.

1990: Off-Broadway Debut of "Making Movies"

Sorkin's play "Making Movies" premiered off-Broadway at the Promenade Theatre in 1990.

1992: Release of "A Few Good Men"

The film adaptation of Sorkin's play "A Few Good Men" was released in 1992. Directed by Rob Reiner and starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore, the film was a commercial and critical success.

1993: Release of "Malice"

The thriller "Malice," which Sorkin co-wrote, was released in 1993. The film garnered mixed reviews, with some praising its suspenseful plot and others finding its overall impact lacking.

1995: Aaron Sorkin seeks treatment for drug addiction

In 1995, Aaron Sorkin, heeding the advice of Julia Bingham, sought treatment for his drug addiction at the Hazelden Institute in Minnesota.

1995: Release of "The American President"

Sorkin wrote the screenplay for the romantic comedy-drama "The American President," directed by Rob Reiner and starring Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, and Martin Sheen. The film was released in 1995.

1996: Aaron Sorkin marries Julia Bingham

Aaron Sorkin married Julia Bingham in 1996.

1996: Sorkin Contributes to "The Rock"

Sorkin's work as a script doctor in the mid-1990s included writing quips for Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage in the 1996 action thriller "The Rock."

1997: Sorkin Rewrites "Excess Baggage"

Continuing his work as a script doctor, Sorkin contributed to the 1997 comedy "Excess Baggage," rewriting parts of the script.

1997: Conception of The West Wing

In 1997, Aaron Sorkin came up with the idea for the political drama, The West Wing, after going to a lunch meeting unprepared.

1998: Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme begin their collaboration

In 1998, Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme embarked on their collaborative journey in television, a partnership that would see them work together on acclaimed shows such as 'Sports Night,' 'The West Wing,' and 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.'

1998: "Sports Night" Premieres

In 1998, Sorkin's television series "Sports Night," a behind-the-scenes look at a sports show, debuted on ABC.

1998: Collaboration with Warren Beatty on "Bulworth"

Sorkin collaborated with Warren Beatty on several scripts, including the satirical comedy-drama "Bulworth," which was released in 1998.

1999: Aaron Sorkin begins making political campaign contributions

From 1999 onwards, Aaron Sorkin began making financial contributions to political campaigns.

1999: The West Wing Debut

In 1999, after facing initial reluctance due to the political climate, The West Wing finally premiered.

1999: Debut of "The West Wing"

Sorkin's critically acclaimed political drama series, "The West Wing," premiered in 1999. The show ran for seven seasons and earned numerous awards.

2000: "Malice" Reviewed in "Rolling Stone"

In 2000, film critic Peter Travers reviewed Sorkin's co-written thriller "Malice" in "Rolling Stone," summarizing it as having "suspense but no staying power."

2000: 'The West Wing' and Aaron Sorkin triumph at the Primetime Emmy Awards

The year 2000 marked a significant year for Aaron Sorkin and 'The West Wing,' as the show and its creator clinched multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.

April 15, 2001: Aaron Sorkin's arrest for drug possession

On April 15, 2001, Aaron Sorkin was apprehended at Hollywood Burbank Airport after security personnel discovered he was carrying illegal substances, including hallucinogenic mushrooms, marijuana, crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia.

2001: 'The West Wing' continues its winning streak at the Primetime Emmy Awards

'The West Wing' maintained its dominance at the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2001, securing the award for Outstanding Drama Series for the second consecutive year.

2001: Sorkin's Drug Relapse and Arrest

In 2001, Sorkin experienced a drug relapse and faced arrest for possession of illegal substances, leading to court-ordered treatment.

2002: 'The West Wing' achieves a three-peat at the Primetime Emmy Awards

In 2002, 'The West Wing' achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series for the third year in a row.

2002: Sorkin's Criticism of NBC News

In 2002, Sorkin publicly criticized an NBC News special for being biased towards the Bush administration, resulting in a forced apology and highlighting the conflict between news and entertainment.

2002: The Flaming Lips Release "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots"

The Flaming Lips released their acclaimed album "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" in 2002. Years later, Aaron Sorkin would be attached to write a musical adaptation of this record.

2002: The Oakland Athletics' Remarkable Season

The Oakland Athletics baseball team, under general manager Billy Beane's leadership, had a remarkable 2002 season, defying expectations and challenging traditional baseball strategies. This season later became the subject of Michael Lewis's book Moneyball, which was adapted into a film co-written by Sorkin.

2003: 'The West Wing' makes history with its fourth consecutive Primetime Emmy Award

'The West Wing' made history in 2003 by becoming the first show to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series for four consecutive years.

2003: Sorkin Begins Work on The Farnsworth Invention

As early as 2003, Sorkin began developing a screenplay about inventor Philo Farnsworth.

2003: Moneyball Publication

In 2003, Michael Lewis published Moneyball, a book that examined the Oakland Athletics' successful 2002 season and their innovative approach to building a competitive team. The book's popularity led to its adaptation into a film, with Sorkin contributing to the screenplay.

2003: Sorkin Departs The West Wing

In 2003, Sorkin left The West Wing after the fourth season due to conflicts with Warner Bros. Television, marking a significant turning point in his career.

2004: Aaron Sorkin collaborates on an anti-Bush campaign advertisement

During the 2004 US presidential election campaign, Aaron Sorkin teamed up with Rob Reiner to create an anti-Bush campaign advertisement for the liberal advocacy group MoveOn's political action committee.

October 2005: Sorkin Returns to Television with Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

In October 2005, Sorkin returned to television with Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, a series he described as having "autobiographical elements," after a successful return to theatre with A Few Good Men in London.

2005: Sorkin Completes The Farnsworth Invention Screenplay, Starts Play Adaptation

By 2005, Sorkin had completed the screenplay for The Farnsworth Invention and also began adapting it into a play after being commissioned by the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.

2005: Aaron Sorkin and Julia Bingham divorce

In 2005, Aaron Sorkin and Julia Bingham divorced.

September 18, 2006: Studio 60 Premieres

On September 18, 2006, Studio 60 premiered to critical acclaim but later faced declining viewership and mixed reactions from critics and bloggers.

2006: Abbey Theatre Withdraws from The Farnsworth Invention

In 2006, the Abbey Theatre in Dublin withdrew from the production of The Farnsworth Invention, leading La Jolla Playhouse to stage a workshop production with Steven Spielberg as a producer.

2006: End of "The West Wing" and Premiere of "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip"

Sorkin's involvement with "The West Wing" ended in 2006. That same year, his new series, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," which offered a behind-the-scenes look at a sketch comedy show, debuted.

2006: Spielberg Approaches Sorkin for "Chicago 7" Project

Steven Spielberg approached Aaron Sorkin in 2006 with an idea for a film about the 1968 Chicago Democratic Convention riots and the subsequent trial, a project that would later become "The Trial of the Chicago 7."

January 2007: Sorkin Addresses Studio 60 Criticism

In January 2007, Sorkin publicly addressed the criticism surrounding Studio 60's ratings and the media's reliance on bloggers as sources, reflecting the changing landscape of television criticism.

February 20, 2007: The Farnsworth Invention Workshop Production

The Farnsworth Invention's workshop production, allowing for audience feedback and revisions, premiered at La Jolla Playhouse on February 20, 2007.

March 2007: Sorkin to Write Musical Adaptation of "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots"

It was reported in March 2007 that Aaron Sorkin would be writing the book for a musical adaptation of The Flaming Lips' album "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots."

March 25, 2007: The Farnsworth Invention Workshop Production Concludes

The Farnsworth Invention's workshop production at La Jolla Playhouse, which allowed for audience feedback and script revisions throughout its run, concluded on March 25, 2007.

July 12, 2007: Sorkin Signs Three-Script Deal with DreamWorks

Aaron Sorkin inked a deal with DreamWorks in July 2007 to write three screenplays. This deal included "The Trial of the Chicago 7," a project Sorkin was developing with Steven Spielberg.

November 14, 2007: The Farnsworth Invention Broadway Premiere (Delayed)

Initially scheduled for November 14, 2007, The Farnsworth Invention's Broadway premiere was delayed due to the Broadway stagehand strike, showcasing the impact of industry events on theatrical productions.

December 3, 2007: The Farnsworth Invention Premieres on Broadway

After a delay caused by a stagehand strike, The Farnsworth Invention finally opened on Broadway on December 3, 2007.

2007: Charlie Wilson's War Releases

In 2007, Charlie Wilson's War, a film written by Sorkin and directed by Mike Nichols, was released to critical acclaim, earning multiple Golden Globe nominations.

2007: "The Farnsworth Invention" Opens on Broadway

In 2007, Sorkin's play "The Farnsworth Invention," which dramatized the story of the invention of television, opened on Broadway.

2007: Release of "Charlie Wilson's War"

In 2007, the biographical comedy-drama "Charlie Wilson's War," based on the true story of Texas congressman Charlie Wilson and his role in the CIA's covert operation to assist the Afghan mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan War, was released. The film was written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Mike Nichols.

March 2, 2008: The Farnsworth Invention Closes on Broadway

The Farnsworth Invention finished its run on Broadway on March 2, 2008, marking the end of its successful theatrical journey.

August 2008: Sorkin to Adapt Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard"

Aaron Sorkin was commissioned by the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in August 2008 to pen an adaptation of Anton Chekhov's play "The Cherry Orchard."

August 2008: Aaron Sorkin participates in a Generation Obama event

In August 2008, Aaron Sorkin took part in a Generation Obama event at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills, California, engaging in a panel discussion following a screening of Frank Capra's 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.'

August 2008: Sorkin Begins Writing The Social Network

In August 2008, Sorkin signed on to write the screenplay for The Social Network, a film about the founders of Facebook.

2008: Sorkin's comments on his writing process spark debate

In 2008, Aaron Sorkin's approach to writing, particularly his collaborative practices and credit-sharing, became a subject of discussion following his comments in GQ magazine.

March 2010: "Chicago 7" Project Faces Challenges

By March 2010, the development of "The Trial of the Chicago 7" encountered difficulties, with Sorkin's agent, Ari Emanuel, describing the project as "tough to get together."

October 1, 2010: The Social Network Premieres

On October 1, 2010, The Social Network, written by Sorkin and directed by David Fincher, was released to widespread critical and commercial success, solidifying Sorkin's status as a leading screenwriter in Hollywood.

November 2010: Sorkin Announces Houdini Musical Project

News broke in November 2010 that Aaron Sorkin was working on a musical about the life of Harry Houdini, with music to be composed by Danny Elfman.

2010: Release of "The Social Network" and Academy Award Win

"The Social Network," with a screenplay by Sorkin, was released in 2010. The film, about the founding and early days of Facebook, earned Sorkin his first Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

2010: Aaron Sorkin garners accolades for 'The Social Network'

Aaron Sorkin's work on 'The Social Network' earned him accolades in 2010, including a British Academy Film Award and a Writers Guild of America Award.

2010: Sorkin Explores "The Newsroom" Concept with HBO

In 2010, Aaron Sorkin began discussions with HBO about a potential television drama focusing on the inner workings of a cable news program. This concept would eventually evolve into the series "The Newsroom."

2010: Sorkin Explores Directorial Debut with "The Politician"

In 2010, Aaron Sorkin expressed his intention to make his directorial debut with a film adaptation of Andrew Young's book "The Politician."

January 2011: HBO Greenlights "The Newsroom" Pilot

In January 2011, HBO gave the green light for a pilot episode of "The Newsroom," a series created by Aaron Sorkin about the happenings behind the scenes at a cable news show.

2011: Aaron Sorkin's recognition at the Golden Globe Awards

Aaron Sorkin won the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay for 'The Social Network' in 2011.

2011: Aaron Sorkin ceases making political campaign contributions

By 2011, Aaron Sorkin had stopped making contributions to political campaigns.

2011: Sorkin Guest Stars on "30 Rock" and Begins Research for "The Newsroom"

In 2011, Aaron Sorkin made a cameo appearance as himself on the TV show "30 Rock." During this time, he also began researching and developing his next project, "The Newsroom," a television drama about the behind-the-scenes workings of a cable news program.

2011: Release of "Moneyball"

Sorkin co-wrote the screenplay for the biographical sports drama "Moneyball," which told the story of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane and his attempts to build a competitive baseball team. The film was released in 2011.

January 2012: Schwartz Joins Houdini Musical; Sorkin to Write Book

In January 2012, Stephen Schwartz joined the Houdini musical project, taking over music and lyrics. Aaron Sorkin was set to make his debut as a librettist.

May 13, 2012: Aaron Sorkin publicly shares his journey to sobriety

In a commencement speech delivered at Syracuse University on May 13, 2012, Aaron Sorkin revealed that he had maintained eleven years of sobriety from cocaine use.

June 2012: "The Newsroom" Premieres on HBO

"The Newsroom," Aaron Sorkin's television drama exploring the behind-the-scenes world of a cable news program, premiered on HBO in June 2012.

January 2013: Sorkin Departs Houdini Musical

Citing other commitments, Aaron Sorkin stepped down from the Houdini musical in January 2013.

July 2013: Greengrass to Direct "Chicago 7"; Sorkin Eventually Takes the Helm

Initially, Paul Greengrass was attached to direct "The Trial of the Chicago 7" in 2013. However, the project eventually saw Aaron Sorkin take on both writing and directing responsibilities.

September 2015: Sorkin to Pen Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Biopic

It was announced in September 2015 that Aaron Sorkin would be writing a biopic centered around the relationship and careers of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

2015: Aaron Sorkin wins his second Golden Globe Award

Aaron Sorkin received his second Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay for 'Steve Jobs' in 2015.

2015: "Steve Jobs" Film Release and Golden Globe Win

Aaron Sorkin's screenplay for "Steve Jobs," a biographical drama directed by Danny Boyle, was released in 2015. Sorkin's writing earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay.

2015: Release of "Steve Jobs"

The biographical drama "Steve Jobs," which Sorkin wrote the screenplay for, was released in 2015. The film centered on three key product launches in the life of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

February 2016: Sorkin to Adapt "To Kill a Mockingbird" for Broadway

In February 2016, it was announced that Aaron Sorkin would be adapting Harper Lee's classic novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," for the Broadway stage.

March 2016: Sorkin to Adapt "A Few Good Men" for NBC

It was announced in March 2016 that Aaron Sorkin would adapt his play "A Few Good Men" for a live television production on NBC.

2016: Aaron Sorkin pens an open letter following Donald Trump's election

In 2016, following Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election, Aaron Sorkin wrote a heartfelt open letter addressed to his daughter Roxy and her mother, Julia.

2016: Production Begins on "Molly's Game"

Production commenced on "Molly's Game" in 2016, marking Aaron Sorkin's directorial debut.

November 2017: "A Few Good Men" Live Production Update

As of November 2017, there were updates indicating that Aaron Sorkin was still considering the live television adaptation of "A Few Good Men."

December 2017: "Molly's Game" Marks Sorkin's Directorial Debut

"Molly's Game," both written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, was released in December 2017. This marked Sorkin's first foray into film direction. The film, based on Molly Bloom's memoir, received generally positive reviews.

2017: Directorial Debut with "Molly's Game"

Aaron Sorkin made his directorial debut with the crime drama "Molly's Game" in 2017. Sorkin also wrote the screenplay based on the memoir of the same name by Molly Bloom.

2017: Amazon Studios Acquires Rights to "Being the Ricardos"

Amazon Studios obtained the rights to produce and distribute the biographical drama "Being the Ricardos" in 2017.

December 13, 2018: Broadway Debut of "To Kill a Mockingbird" Adaptation

Aaron Sorkin's stage adaptation of Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" premiered on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on December 13, 2018. The play, directed by Bartlett Sher, garnered positive reviews.

2018: Sorkin's Adaptation of "To Kill a Mockingbird" Premieres on Broadway

Aaron Sorkin's stage adaptation of Harper Lee's classic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" premiered on Broadway in 2018. The production garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.

July 2020: Sorkin Discusses Spielberg's "Chicago 7" Pitch

In a July 2020 interview, Aaron Sorkin shared insights into Steven Spielberg's initial pitch for a film about the 1968 Chicago Democratic Convention riots and the subsequent trial.

September 25, 2020: "The Trial of the Chicago 7" Premieres

On September 25, 2020, "The Trial of the Chicago 7," written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, premiered in a limited theatrical release before being made available for streaming on Netflix.

2020: Aaron Sorkin's 'The Trial of the Chicago Seven' earns him a Golden Globe Award

Aaron Sorkin's screenplay for 'The Trial of the Chicago Seven' earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay in 2020.

2020: Release of "The Trial of the Chicago 7"

Sorkin wrote and directed the historical legal drama "The Trial of the Chicago 7," which premiered in 2020. The film revolved around the trial of seven defendants charged with conspiracy and other charges related to protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

January 2021: Kidman and Bardem Cast in "Being the Ricardos"

Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem were announced as the stars of "Being the Ricardos" in January 2021, portraying Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz respectively.

December 10, 2021: "Being the Ricardos" Premieres in Theaters

On December 10, 2021, "Being the Ricardos," a biographical drama written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, had its limited theatrical debut.

2021: Aaron Sorkin and Paulina Porizkova briefly date

Aaron Sorkin and Paulina Porizkova had a short-lived romantic relationship in 2021.

2021: Release of "Being the Ricardos"

In 2021, Sorkin's biographical drama "Being the Ricardos" was released. The film offered a behind-the-scenes look at the personal and professional lives of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz during their time creating the sitcom "I Love Lucy."

November 3, 2022: "Camelot" Revival Postponed

The Broadway revival of the musical "Camelot," featuring a revised book by Aaron Sorkin, was initially slated to open at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theater on November 3, 2022. However, the production was delayed.

November 2022: Aaron Sorkin experiences a stroke due to hypertension

In November 2022, Aaron Sorkin had a stroke attributed to hypertension, which he characterized as "a loud wake-up call" prompting him to prioritize his health.

2022: Aaron Sorkin suffers a stroke

In 2022, Aaron Sorkin suffered a stroke that led him to make significant lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, adopting a healthier diet, and incorporating daily exercise.

April 13, 2023: "Camelot" Revival Rescheduled

Following a postponement, the Broadway revival of "Camelot," with a revised book by Aaron Sorkin, was rescheduled to begin performances on April 13, 2023.

October 2023: Aaron Sorkin parts ways with CAA

In October 2023, Aaron Sorkin severed ties with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in response to a statement made by Maha Dakhil, co-chief of the motion pictures department, which criticized Israel during the Israel–Hamas war.