Robert Mailer Anderson

Novelist, screenwriter, playwright and activist; 1987 graduate of Anderson Valley High School[18]

What is Robert Mailer Anderson known for?

Robert Mailer Anderson, a talented and versatile American artist, was born in San Francisco, California in 1968. Known for his work as a novelist, screenwriter, playwright, Grammy-nominated producer, and activist, his creations have spanned multiple forms of media and made significant cultural impacts.

Anderson's writing career took off with the publication of his bestselling novel, Boonville, which is set in the Northern California town. Alongside his novels, he has created notable works such as the play "The Death of Teddy Ballgame," and the film "Windows on the World." His endeavors in the arts led to his recognition as a three-time San Francisco Library Laureate, and he was also awarded the San Francisco Arts Medallion in 2016. Anderson's contributions have not just been limited to the arts; he was appointed to the California Humanities Board of Directors in 2020 by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Robert took his first steps into writing as a contributor for the Anderson Valley Advertiser, a newspaper run by his Uncle, Bruce Anderson. His time as a fiction editor saw him bring onboard talents such as Daniel Handler, Sandow Birk, Floyd Salas, and Michelle Tea. His story "36-28-34-7" was published in the Christopher Street magazine in 1995, and he later found success in other forms of media. His ventures into film saw him co-write, produce, and even appear in "Pig Hunt," a horror film set in Northern California. He also produced the film "Windows on the World," along with co-writing the graphic novel based on the same name.

Outside of his professional life, Anderson resides in San Francisco with his wife, Nicola Miner, the daughter of Oracle Corporation co-founder Bob Miner. He served on the board of the San Francisco Opera and SFJAZZ, where he led a $65 million campaign to build the SFJAZZ Center. His influence in the world of jazz is evident in his naming of the campaign "The World is Listening," a phrase that later promoted the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Anderson's philanthropy has seen him host fundraising events for political leaders, including a visit from Barack Obama in 2012. His activism also led him to design an anti-Iraq War poster campaign.

Indeed, Anderson's life is exemplary of varied interests and talents converging to shape society. His work continues to serve as an inspiration for many aspiring writers, artists, and activists.