Alexander Woollcott

Date of Birth: January 19, 1887

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: January 23, 1943

Biography

Alexander Woollcott was born on January 19, 1887, in Phalanx, New Jersey, and grew to become one of America’s most distinguished critics, essayists, and commentators. Known primarily for his witty and often acerbic reviews, Woollcott began his career as a drama critic for the New York Times in 1914. His sharp tongue and keen observations quickly earned him a reputation as a leading voice in the world of theater criticism. Woollcott was also a prominent member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of New York City writers, critics, and actors who gathered for lunch daily at the Algonquin Hotel. His work extended beyond criticism; he was also a popular radio personality and wrote extensively, including plays, essays, and books. His radio show, “The Town Crier,” made him a household name in the 1930s. His influence extended into other realms of popular culture. Woollcott was the inspiration for the character Sheridan Whiteside in the play “The Man Who Came to Dinner” by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. He passed away on January 23, 1943, but his legacy as a sharp-witted critic and commentator endures.

5 Interesting Facts about Alexander Woollcott

1. Alexander Woollcott was a significant influence on the character of Sheridan Whiteside in “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”

2. He served as a war correspondent during World War I.

3. Woollcott was one of the original members of the Algonquin Round Table.

4. He was known for his radio show “The Town Crier,” which was popular in the 1930s.

5. Woollcott’s sharp and often biting wit made him both feared and respected in literary and theatrical circles.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alexander Woollcott

1. “All the things I really like to do are either immoral, illegal, or fattening.”

2. “Many of us spend half of our time wishing for things we could have if we didn’t spend half our time wishing.”

3. “Everything I like is either illegal, immoral, or fattening.”

4. “There is no such thing in anyone’s life as an unimportant day.”

5. “The English have an extraordinary ability for flying into a great calm.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Alexander Woollcott’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a considerable sum for his time.

Children

Alexander Woollcott did not have any children.

Relevant Links

1. [Wikipedia: Alexander Woollcott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Woollcott

2. [Biography at Algonquin Hotel](https://www.algonquinhotel.com/hotel/about/algonquin-round-table/

3. [The Algonquin Round Table](https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/algonquin-round-table-about-the-algonquin-round-table/711/

4. [The Man Who Came to Dinner – Character Inspiration](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Man-Who-Came-to-Dinner

5. [Alexander Woollcott Radio Show](https://www.oldtimeradiodownloads.com/actors/alexander-woollcott

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