Pierson's family said he died of natural causes in Los Angeles.
Pierson won an Oscar for his original screenplay for the 1975 film, "Dog Day Afternoon." Pierson's writing credits also include "Cool Hand Luke," "Presumed Innocent," and "A Star is Born."
Most recently, he served as a consulting producer for the TV series "Mad Men."
Pierson also served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 2001 to 2005.
Pierson is survived by his wife, Helene, two children and five grandchildren.
