Leonard Gardner (born 3 November 1933) is an American novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter.
[3] His screen adaptation of Fat City was made into an acclaimed 1972 film of the same title, directed by John Huston.
The book and movie are set in and around Stockton and concern the struggles of third-rate pro boxers who only dimly comprehend that none of them will ever make the big time.
Devoid of the usual "sweet science" cliches, the book roils with dark pessimism as the characters eke out a gritty existence.
Gardner has made a couple of other acting appearances, most notably in Francis Ford Coppola's 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream.