Harold Robbins

Date of Birth: May 21, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: October 14, 1997

Biography

Harold Robbins was a prolific American author whose works have captivated millions of readers worldwide. Born as Harold Rubin on May 21, 1916, in New York City, Robbins grew up in a Jewish family and faced various hardships during his early years. Despite claiming to be an orphan, Robbins was actually raised by his biological parents. He left school at an early age and worked various jobs, including stints as a shipping clerk and a grocery store manager. Robbins started his writing career relatively late, publishing his first novel, “Never Love a Stranger,” in 1948. The book was controversial for its explicit content but became a bestseller, setting the tone for his future works. Over his career, Robbins wrote over 25 novels, many of which were adapted into films and TV series. His works often centered around themes of sex, money, power, and ambition, offering a lurid glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous. Robbins’ writing style was characterized by its fast pace and vivid descriptions, making his books highly readable. Some of his most famous works include “The Carpetbaggers,” “A Stone for Danny Fisher,” and “The Adventurers.” Despite facing criticism for his sensationalist style, Robbins achieved immense commercial success, selling over 750 million copies of his books worldwide. Robbins passed away on October 14, 1997, in Palm Springs, California, but his legacy as one of America’s most commercially successful authors endures.

5 Interesting Facts about Harold Robbins

1. Harold Robbins was originally named Harold Rubin and later adopted the pen name Robbins.

2. “The Carpetbaggers” is one of his most famous novels and was later adapted into a successful film.

3. Robbins was known for his lavish lifestyle, which included owning yachts, luxury cars, and multiple homes.

4. He often claimed to have been an orphan, but this was a fabrication; he was actually raised by his biological parents.

5. Despite facing criticism for the quality of his writing, Robbins sold over 750 million books worldwide, making him one of the best-selling authors of all time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harold Robbins

1. “I’m the world’s best writer—there’s nothing more to say.”

2. “The television business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.”

3. “It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not.”

4. “Success is meaningless if you can’t share it with someone.”

5. “I write about real people in disguise. If anything, my characters are toned down—the truth is much more bizarre.”