Garrison Keillor

Date of Birth: August 7, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

Garrison Keillor is an acclaimed American author, storyteller, humorist, and radio personality best known for creating and hosting the popular radio show “A Prairie Home Companion.” Born in Anoka, Minnesota, Keillor’s career in radio began in college, but it was his unique storytelling and wit that propelled him to national fame. “A Prairie Home Companion,” which aired from 1974 to 2016, became a beloved fixture in American culture, blending music, comedy, and Keillor’s signature monologues about the fictional town of Lake Wobegon. In addition to his radio work, Keillor has written numerous books, articles, and essays, often exploring themes of Americana and rural life. His contributions to literature and entertainment have earned him numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award and a National Humanities Medal.

5 Interesting Facts about Garrison Keillor

1. Garrison Keillor’s full name is Gary Edward Keillor. He changed his first name because he disliked being called Gary.

2. “A Prairie Home Companion” was inspired by the Grand Ole Opry and was initially broadcast live from the Janet Wallace Auditorium at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

3. Keillor is an accomplished author, having written over 20 books, including “Lake Wobegon Days,” which became a bestseller.

4. He has been awarded honorary degrees from several universities, including the University of Minnesota and St. Olaf College.

5. In addition to his radio and literary work, Keillor has also ventured into screenwriting and acting, most notably with the 2006 film adaptation of “A Prairie Home Companion,” directed by Robert Altman.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Garrison Keillor

1. “A book is a gift you can open again and again.”

2. “Life is unjust and this is what makes it so beautiful. Every day is a gift. Be brave and take hold of it.”

3. “Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function.”

4. “Thank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough.”

5. “It was luxuries like air conditioning that brought down the Roman Empire. With air conditioning, their windows were shut, they couldn’t hear the barbarians coming.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Garrison Keillor’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Garrison Keillor has two children: Jason Keillor, from his first marriage, and Maia Grace Keillor, from his third marriage to violinist Jenny Lind Nilsson.