Date of Birth: December 28, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: February 17, 2020
Biography
Charles McColl Portis was an American author best known for his 1968 Western novel “True Grit,” which has been adapted into multiple films. Born and raised in Arkansas, Portis served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War before earning a journalism degree from the University of Arkansas. He worked as a journalist for the New York Herald Tribune and other publications before turning to fiction writing. His works, characterized by dry humor and richly drawn characters, include “Norwood,” “The Dog of the South,” “Masters of Atlantis,” and “Gringos.” Portis is often celebrated for his unique narrative voice and his ability to blend comedy with deep insights into human nature.
5 Interesting Facts about Charles Portis
1. Charles Portis’s novel “True Grit” was adapted into two successful films, one in 1969 starring John Wayne and another in 2010 featuring Jeff Bridges.
2. He was known for his reclusive nature, rarely giving interviews or making public appearances.
3. Before becoming a novelist, Portis worked as a journalist and was stationed in London as a correspondent for the New York Herald Tribune.
4. Portis’s writing has been praised by notable authors such as Larry McMurtry and Donna Tartt.
5. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, an experience that influenced his writing.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Portis
1. “There is no point in getting your moral knickers in a twist if you don’t have the power to enforce your beliefs.”
2. “I always try to avoid the cliché in writing, and the best way to do that is to write in your own voice.”
3. “I never liked to work. I am not ashamed of that. I have never cared for work. I don’t care what anybody says.”
4. “The hardest part of writing is getting in the chair. Once you’re in the chair, it’s not that bad.”
5. “I have never cared for politics, and I do not care now. All politicians are alike.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Charles Portis was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Charles Portis did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Charles Portis – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Portis
2. [New York Times Obituary](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/17/books/charles-portis-dead.html
3. [True Grit – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1403865/
4. [The Paris Review – Charles Portis](https://www.theparisreview.org/authors/5402/charles-portis
5. [Master of Atlantis – Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/90212.Masters_of_Atlantis
