Date of Birth: July 23, 1928
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: April 26, 2004
Biography
Hubert Selby, Jr. was an influential American writer, born on July 23, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York. He is best known for his gritty and uncompromising novels that explore the underbelly of American urban life. Selby dropped out of school at the age of 15 and joined the Merchant Marine. His service was cut short when he contracted tuberculosis, leading to a lengthy hospitalization and a series of health complications that plagued him for the rest of his life. Selby’s experiences during this period deeply influenced his writing. His debut novel, “Last Exit to Brooklyn” (1964), is a raw, unflinching portrayal of life in the slums of Brooklyn. Its graphic content and experimental style caused controversy but also earned critical acclaim. The book was initially banned in the UK, leading to an obscenity trial that Selby ultimately won. He continued to write, producing a number of other significant works, including “The Room” (1971), “Requiem for a Dream” (1978), and “The Demon” (1976). “Requiem for a Dream” was adapted into a highly acclaimed film in 2000, further cementing Selby’s legacy. Despite his literary success, Selby struggled with addiction and financial instability for much of his life. He also taught creative writing at the University of Southern California. Selby passed away on April 26, 2004, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of America’s most provocative and influential writers.
5 Interesting Facts about Hubert Selby, Jr.
1. Hubert Selby, Jr. served in the Merchant Marine before his writing career.
2. His debut novel, “Last Exit to Brooklyn,” faced an obscenity trial in the UK.
3. Selby’s novel “Requiem for a Dream” was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2000.
4. He suffered from severe health issues, including tuberculosis, which influenced his writing.
5. Selby taught creative writing at the University of Southern California.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hubert Selby, Jr.
1. “Being an artist doesn’t take much, just everything you’ve got.”
2. “I write, for the most part, out of rage. I just can’t stand the way things are.”
3. “The writer has no responsibility to be understandable, he has the responsibility to be good.”
4. “I think writers are the only pure artists left because we can’t do anything but write.”
5. “You can choose to be courageous enough to get out of bed every morning.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Hubert Selby, Jr.’s highest net worth was modest compared to contemporary literary giants, with estimates around $500,000 at the peak of his career.
Children
Hubert Selby, Jr. had four children: Rachel, William, Hedy, and Kate Selby.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: Hubert Selby, Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubert_Selby_Jr.
2. [IMDb: Hubert Selby, Jr.](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0783183/
