Date of Birth: May 24, 1883
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: November 1, 1963
Biography
Elsa Maxwell was an American gossip columnist, author, and hostess, famous for her lavish parties and her influence among the high society of her time. Born in Keokuk, Iowa, she moved to San Francisco with her family when she was young. She began her career in vaudeville but quickly found her niche in organizing social events and writing about the elite. Maxwell is credited with popularizing the scavenger hunt as a party game and was known for her wit and charm. Throughout her life, she penned several books and columns, offering a glimpse into the glamorous world of the rich and famous. She wrote for publications like “The New York Post” and “Harper’s Bazaar,” where her sharp wit and insider knowledge made her columns must-reads. Maxwell also hosted a radio show and appeared in a few films, further cementing her status as a cultural icon. Despite her success, Maxwell’s personal life remained relatively private. She never married but was known to have close relationships with a number of influential individuals, including the Duchess of Windsor and Cole Porter. She died in New York City at the age of 80.
5 Interesting Facts about Elsa Maxwell
1. Elsa Maxwell is credited with popularizing the scavenger hunt as a party game.
2. She had a successful career as a gossip columnist, writing for “The New York Post” and “Harper’s Bazaar.”
3. Maxwell hosted a radio show in the 1940s, which featured interviews with celebrities and discussions on high society.
4. She appeared in a few films, including “Stage Door Canteen” (1943), where she played herself.
5. Maxwell was known for her close relationships with influential figures like the Duchess of Windsor and Cole Porter.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Elsa Maxwell
1. “Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can.”
2. “Bores put you in a mental cemetery while you are still walking.”
3. “Seeing through is rarely seeing into.”
4. “The cocktail party is simplicity itself; a slice of bread, a slice of ham, and twenty people.”
5. “I make enemies deliberately. They are the sauce piquant to my dish of life.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Elsa Maxwell’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million (adjusted for inflation, approximately $25 million today).
Children
Elsa Maxwell did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Elsa Maxwell – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elsa_Maxwell
2. [Elsa Maxwell – Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elsa-Maxwell
3. [Elsa Maxwell – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0561379/