Date of Birth: October 20, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: January 17, 2007
Biography
Arthur “Art” Buchwald was an American humorist best known for his long-running column in The Washington Post, which was syndicated to over 500 newspapers worldwide. Born in Mount Vernon, New York, Buchwald had a challenging childhood, spending time in foster care due to his mother’s mental illness and his father’s financial difficulties. He dropped out of high school and joined the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. After the war, he used the G.I. Bill to study at the University of Southern California but left before graduating. Buchwald moved to Paris in 1948, where he began writing for the European edition of the New York Herald Tribune. His column, “Paris After Dark,” gained popularity, leading to “Europe’s Lighter Side,” a humorous take on European events. By 1962, he returned to the United States, where his satirical and witty commentary on politics and society earned him a loyal readership. In addition to his columns, Buchwald wrote more than 30 books, ranging from humor collections to memoirs. He won numerous awards throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize for Outstanding Commentary in 1982. Despite facing significant health challenges later in life, including kidney failure, Buchwald continued to write until his death in 2007.
5 Interesting Facts about Art Buchwald
1. Art Buchwald served as a Marine during World War II, experiencing combat in the Pacific Theater.
2. He started his journalism career in Paris, where he became known for his humorous take on American expatriates and European affairs.
3. Buchwald won the Pulitzer Prize for Outstanding Commentary in 1982.
4. He authored more than 30 books, including humor collections, novels, and memoirs.
5. Despite suffering from kidney failure and being told he had only weeks to live, Buchwald defied the odds, living for almost a year more and continuing to write.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Art Buchwald
1. “You can’t make up anything anymore. The world itself is a satire. All you’re doing is recording it.”
2. “People are broad-minded. They’ll accept the fact that a person can be an alcoholic, a dope fiend, a wife-beater, and even a newspaperman, but if a man doesn’t drive, there’s something wrong with him.”
3. “Lunch is the best time of day to talk about the things that are on your mind.”
4. “Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got.”
5. “I always wanted to get into politics, but I was never light enough to make the team.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Art Buchwald’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Art Buchwald and his wife, Ann McGarry, adopted three children: Joel, Connie, and Jennifer.
Relevant Links
2. [Pulitzer Prize Winners – Art Buchwald](https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/art-buchwald
5. [Art Buchwald’s Books – Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/18936.Art_Buchwald
