Grace Metalious

Date of Birth: September 8, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: February 25, 1964

Biography

Grace Metalious was an American author best known for her controversial novel “Peyton Place,” published in 1956. Born Marie Grace DeRepentigny, she was raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, and displayed a passion for writing from a young age. Metalious was known for her candid and stark portrayal of small-town life, which often included themes of infidelity, scandal, and hypocrisy. “Peyton Place” became an instant bestseller, staying on The New York Times best-seller list for over a year and selling over 12 million copies. The book’s success led to a film adaptation in 1957 and a popular television series that aired from 1964 to 1969. Despite her literary success, Metalious struggled with personal issues, including financial instability and alcoholism. She published three other novels: “Return to Peyton Place” (1959), “The Tight White Collar” (1961), and “No Adam in Eden” (1963). Metalious passed away at the age of 39 due to cirrhosis of the liver.

5 Interesting Facts about Grace Metalious

1. “Peyton Place” was banned in several cities and towns due to its explicit content but still became a cultural phenomenon.

2. Grace Metalious was often referred to as the “Pandora in blue jeans” because of her unconventional appearance and behavior.

3. Despite her success, Metalious faced severe financial difficulties and had to sell the rights to “Peyton Place” for a fraction of its worth.

4. Metalious was an advocate for women’s rights and often highlighted the struggles of women in her novels.

5. Her second novel, “Return to Peyton Place,” was also adapted into a film in 1961, although it did not achieve the same level of success as her first book.