David Rakoff

Date of Birth: November 27, 1964

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: August 9, 2012

Biography

David Benjamin Rakoff was a Canadian-born American writer known for his humorous and poignant essays and his contributions to the radio program “This American Life.” Born in Montreal, Quebec, Rakoff moved to Toronto with his family at a young age and later to the United States for his higher education. He graduated from Columbia University, where he majored in East Asian studies. Rakoff’s writing often explored themes of modern culture, life in New York City, and his struggles with cancer. His notable works include “Fraud,” “Don’t Get Too Comfortable,” and “Half Empty,” which won the Thurber Prize for American Humor. Rakoff was also a talented actor and voice-over artist, contributing to various films and stage productions. He passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of wit, insight, and a unique perspective on life.

5 Interesting Facts about David Rakoff

1. David Rakoff won the Thurber Prize for American Humor in 2011 for his book “Half Empty.”

2. He was an openly gay writer and outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

3. Rakoff was a frequent contributor to “This American Life,” where his essays were often featured.

4. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 22 and battled cancer multiple times throughout his life.

5. Rakoff became a U.S. citizen in 2003, though he maintained a deep connection to his Canadian roots.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Rakoff

1. “Darkness is where we begin and where we end. We don’t usually see light traveling in between.”

2. “We all long for a world where everyone gets along and we are all just one big happy family. But that’s not reality.”

3. “The world is, of course, nothing but our conception of it.”

4. “There is nothing inherently wrong with a desire for self-improvement or a sense of ambition. But at some point, you must learn to be content with yourself.”

5. “The only thing worse than saying goodbye to someone you love is saying goodbye when you know it’s forever.”