Date of Birth: July 1, 1949
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: May 24, 2017
Biography
Denis Johnson was an acclaimed American writer known for his raw and lyrical prose. Born in Munich, Germany, where his father was stationed as a State Department employee, Johnson spent much of his youth traveling across the United States and abroad. He graduated from the University of Iowa with an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, a program renowned for producing some of the country’s most significant literary talents. Johnson’s literary career began with poetry, publishing his first collection, “The Man Among the Seals,” in 1969. However, he is best known for his prose, particularly his short story collection “Jesus’ Son” (1992), which has become a seminal work in contemporary American literature. The collection was later adapted into a film in 1999. His novel “Tree of Smoke” (2007), which won the National Book Award for Fiction, is a sprawling narrative set during the Vietnam War and is considered one of his magnum opuses. Throughout his career, Johnson’s work often explored themes of addiction, redemption, and the human condition, capturing both the beauty and brutality of life.
5 Interesting Facts about Denis Johnson
1. Denis Johnson was born in Munich, Germany, but he grew up in several countries, including the Philippines, Japan, and the United States.
2. His book “Jesus’ Son” is named after a line from a Lou Reed song, “Heroin.”
3. Johnson struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction for much of his early life, influences that are prominently reflected in his writing.
4. He won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2007 for his novel “Tree of Smoke.”
5. Johnson also pursued playwriting and had several of his plays produced, including “Hellhound on My Trail.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Denis Johnson
1. “She wanted to be buried in a coffin filled with used paperbacks.”
2. “You and I, we are the same. We are in the same boat. We think we are in a different boat, but we are in the same boat.”
3. “What I have to do is write as clearly as I can. I have to write as powerfully as I can. If I don’t do that, I’m wasting my time.”
4. “I knew every raindrop by its name.”
5. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Denis Johnson’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
Denis Johnson had three children with his third wife, Cindy Lee: a daughter, Jasmine, and two sons, Jasper and Jude.
Relevant Links
1. [Denis Johnson’s Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Denis-Johnson
5. [Denis Johnson’s “Jesus’ Son” on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0186253/
