Hunter S. Thompson

Date of Birth: July 18, 1937

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: February 20, 2005

Biography

Hunter S. Thompson was an American journalist and author, best known for his pioneering work in the field of Gonzo journalism—a style of journalism where reporters involve themselves in the action to such a degree that they become central figures of their stories. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Thompson had a tumultuous youth marked by legal troubles and a stint in the Air Force, where he worked as a sports editor for a base newspaper. His breakthrough came with the publication of “Hell’s Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs” in 1967. This success was followed by his most famous work, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” published in 1971, which was later adapted into a cult classic film starring Johnny Depp. Thompson’s writing was characterized by its satirical style, social critique, and a penchant for self-destructive behavior. His contributions to journalism and literature have left an indelible mark on American culture. Thompson died by suicide at his home in Woody Creek, Colorado, in 2005.

5 Interesting Facts about Hunter S. Thompson

1. Hunter S. Thompson ran for sheriff of Pitkin County, Colorado, in 1970 on the Freak Power ticket but lost the election.

2. He was a vehement critic of President Richard Nixon, whom he described as representing “that dark, venal, and incurably violent side of the American character.”

3. Thompson famously carried a variety of firearms and was an ardent supporter of the Second Amendment.

4. He was friends with numerous celebrities, including Johnny Depp, who portrayed him in the film adaptation of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.”

5. His funeral was marked by a grand celebration where his ashes were shot out of a cannon, fulfilling his final wish.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hunter S. Thompson

1. “I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they’ve always worked for me.”

2. “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.”

3. “Buy the ticket, take the ride.”

4. “Freedom is something that dies unless it’s used.”

5. “The Edge… there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Hunter S. Thompson achieved was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Hunter S. Thompson had one son, Juan Fitzgerald Thompson, born in March 1964. Juan Thompson has worked as a writer and editor and has penned a memoir about his father titled “Stories I Tell Myself: Growing Up with Hunter S. Thompson.”