Date of Birth: January 10, 1936
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: December 19, 2013
Biography
Al Goldstein was an American publisher and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of the controversial adult magazine *Screw*. Born on January 10, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, Goldstein became a pivotal figure in the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. He began his career as a photographer and writer before launching *Screw* in 1968 with his partner, Jim Buckley. The magazine was infamous for its explicit content and bold political statements, often challenging conservative views on sexuality and censorship. Goldstein’s commitment to free speech and his provocative style made him both a celebrated and reviled figure. He frequently found himself in legal battles over obscenity charges but remained steadfast in his mission to push the boundaries of what was socially acceptable. Beyond *Screw*, Goldstein hosted a public-access cable TV show called *Midnight Blue*, which further cemented his legacy as a champion of sexual liberation and free expression. Despite his professional success, Goldstein’s personal life was tumultuous. He was married five times and faced multiple financial and legal difficulties, including a highly publicized bankruptcy. Goldstein passed away on December 19, 2013, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by his unyielding dedication to free speech and his impact on American culture.
5 Interesting Facts about Al Goldstein
1. Al Goldstein served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army before starting his career in publishing.
2. *Screw* magazine was one of the first publications to feature full-frontal nudity and explicit sexual content.
3. Goldstein once ran for Sheriff of Broward County, Florida, on a platform advocating for the decriminalization of prostitution and drugs.
4. He was a vocal critic of both religious institutions and political figures, often using his platforms to lampoon them.
5. Goldstein’s *Midnight Blue* TV show gained notoriety for its interviews with porn stars, sex workers, and controversial public figures.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Al Goldstein
1. “If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.”
2. “Obscenity is a human right.”
3. “I am a pervert, but I am a liberated pervert.”
4. “I am the McDonald’s of sex.”
5. “I’m a crusader for free speech. I’m a crusader for having the right to be offensive.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Al Goldstein’s net worth was estimated to be around $11 million.
Children
Al Goldstein had one son named Jordan Goldstein.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: Al Goldstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Goldstein
3. [The Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/dec/20/al-goldstein
5. [Al Goldstein on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0326200/
