William Darrid; Producer, Screenwriter, Novelist

William (Bill) Darrid, a producer, author and scenarist and a fixture on the Hollywood scene for 20 years, has died. He was 69.

A spokesman for Michael Douglas said the actor’s stepfather died Saturday night at St. John’s Hospital and Health Center in Santa Monica after a long struggle with respiratory ailments.

Darrid, who once headed the East Coast Theater and Literary Department for MCA Universal, was known to his friends as a soft-spoken, unassuming voice in the often steely world of entertainment.

He began his career as an acting student at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City. After Army service in World War II, he returned to Manhattan as an actor in such plays as “Inherit the Wind” and “Reclining Figure.” He married actress Diana Dill in 1956, seven years after her divorce from actor Kirk Douglas.

Darrid helped raise Michael Douglas and his brother Joel, and after Kirk Douglas’ remarriage, the Darrids and Douglases maintained a close relationship.

Michael Douglas said Monday that “Bill was such a nice guy he set back the stepfather image 20 years.”

On Broadway, Darrid produced such dramas “The Andersonville Trial,” which starred and was directed by George C. Scott.

In the 1970s, Darrid moved to Los Angeles, where he wrote two novels: “Solomon Moon” and “The Blooding.” He also wrote several screenplays and TV scripts.

In addition to his wife and stepsons, Darrid is survived by a brother, John.

A memorial service is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Writers Guild Theatre, 135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills. The family asks that contributions be made to Amnesty International in Darrid’s name.