Gore Vidal

Date of Birth: October 3, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: July 31, 2012

Biography

Gore Vidal, born Eugene Luther Gore Vidal on October 3, 1925, in West Point, New York, was an American writer known for his acerbic wit, sophisticated style, and wide-ranging works that span from novels and essays to screenplays and plays. Vidal’s literary career spanned over six decades, during which he became one of America’s preeminent public intellectuals. He was the grandson of Senator Thomas Pryor Gore and grew up in a politically active family, which greatly influenced his later works. Vidal’s debut novel, “Williwaw,” published in 1946, drew on his experiences in World War II. He gained significant recognition with his third novel, “The City and the Pillar” (1948), a groundbreaking work for its candid depiction of homosexuality. Throughout his career, Vidal wrote 25 novels, including the critically acclaimed “Julian” (1964), “Myra Breckinridge” (1968), and “Burr” (1973). He also penned numerous essays, which were collected in volumes such as “United States: Essays 1952–1992,” winning the National Book Award. Aside from his literary achievements, Vidal was known for his sharp social and political commentary. He ran for political office twice, once for Congress in 1960 and for the Senate in 1982, although he was not elected. Vidal was also a prolific screenwriter and playwright, contributing to works such as “Ben-Hur” (1959) and the play “The Best Man” (1960). Vidal’s unapologetic critique of American society, politics, and culture often put him at odds with mainstream figures, but it also cemented his legacy as a provocative and influential thinker. He passed away on July 31, 2012, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 86.