Doris Kearns Goodwin

Date of Birth: January 4, 1943

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a renowned American historian and biographer, celebrated for her in-depth research and compelling narratives on American presidents and political history. She was born Doris Helen Kearns on January 4, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. Goodwin’s passion for history was kindled during her childhood, through avid reading and storytelling. She attended Colby College in Maine, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Subsequently, she earned her Ph.D. in government from Harvard University, where her dissertation on the Boston Redevelopment Authority laid the foundation for her future career in historical scholarship. Goodwin’s career took a significant turn when she became a White House Fellow during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. This experience provided her with firsthand insights into the challenges and intricacies of presidential leadership. She went on to write the acclaimed memoir “Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream,” which established her reputation as a meticulous researcher and gifted writer. Over the years, Goodwin has authored several best-selling books, including “No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II,” “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln,” and “The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism.” Her works have received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for History, and “Team of Rivals” served as the basis for Steven Spielberg’s award-winning film “Lincoln.” Goodwin is a frequent guest on television programs and a sought-after speaker, known for her ability to make history accessible and engaging to a broad audience. She has received honorary degrees from several institutions and continues to contribute to the field of history through her writing and public appearances.

5 Interesting Facts about Doris Kearns Goodwin

1. Doris Kearns Goodwin was the first woman to enter the Boston Red Sox locker room.

2. She won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1995 for her book “No Ordinary Time.”

3. Goodwin served as a consultant on Ken Burns’ documentary series “Baseball.”

4. Her book “Team of Rivals” heavily influenced the screenplay for the 2012 film “Lincoln.”

5. Goodwin has been awarded multiple honorary degrees from prestigious universities, including Colby College and Dartmouth College.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Doris Kearns Goodwin

1. “The past is not simply the past, but a prism through which the subject filters his own changing self-image.”

2. “Good leadership requires you to surround yourself with people of diverse perspectives who can disagree with you without fear of retaliation.”

3. “We can only hope that our work will inspire others to find their own paths to leadership and to take their own steps to make the world a better place.”

4. “There is no one perfect way to be a leader, but the best leaders understand the importance of listening.”

5. “History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As of the peak of her career, Doris Kearns Goodwin’s net worth has been estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Doris Kearns Goodwin has three children: two sons, Michael and Joseph, and a daughter, Jennifer, from her marriage to Richard N. Goodwin, a former presidential advisor and speechwriter.