Background
Washburn was born in Buffalo, New York and grew up in Providence, Rhode Island.
Washburn was born in Buffalo, New York and grew up in Providence, Rhode Island.
He graduated from Harvard College, Bachelor of Arts English Literature, in 1959.
His early career was that of a playwright, penning the off-Broadway plays Ginger Anne and The Love Nest. He is best known for co-writing the original screenplay of The Deer Hunter with Michael Cimino. Heavy Dust, adapted from Manhunt by Peter Maas.
Gun for Sale, adapted from the book of the same name by Graham Greene.
