Nationality: American
Birthplace: Yonkers, New York, USA
Former psychiatric researcher who began her entertainment career as a sitcom story editor. Benedek scripted her first feature, 1983's "The Big Chill", in collaboration with director Lawrence Kasdan. She has continued to concentrate on ensemble-oriented drama, notably with "Men Don't Leave" (1990), based on the French film, "La vie continue" (1982). Benedek co-wrote (with David Rayfiel) the 1995 remake of "Sabrina".
After graduating from college, worked for eight years as a psychiatric research assistant in New York and Los Angeles; wrote unproduced TV scripts and a play, "Looking for Dr. Goodbar"
1980
Worked for TV production company Witt-Thomas-Harris as story editor/writer on "I'm A Big Girl Now" and "Making a Living"
1983
Feature co-writing debut (with director Lawrence Kasdan), "The Big Chill"; got job after Kasdan read some of her earlier material, including "Dr. Goodbar"
1990
First feature as solo writer, "Immediate Family"
