William Blinn was an American screenwriter and television producer, best known for his work in the 1970s and 1980s. He gained significant recognition for creating the popular television series Starsky & Hutch and for writing the screenplay for the iconic film Purple Rain, which starred Prince. Blinn's career also included contributions to other notable projects, such as the miniseries Roots and the television film Brian's Song. His storytelling skills and ability to create compelling characters left a lasting impact on the television and film industry.