Irving Wallace

Date of Birth: March 19, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: June 29, 1990

Biography

Irving Wallace was an American novelist and screenwriter known for his meticulously researched and engagingly written novels. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Wallace was raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He began writing at a young age and sold his first story at 15. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Wallace moved to Hollywood and began writing screenplays and magazine articles. In the 1950s, Wallace transitioned to writing novels, and his first major success came with “The Chapman Report” in 1960, a controversial novel about sexual behavior that became a bestseller. He followed this with a string of popular novels, including “The Prize,” “The Man,” and “The Word.” Wallace’s books often tackled significant social issues and were known for their extensive research, which lent them an air of authenticity. He wrote more than 30 books, including both fiction and non-fiction. His works have been translated into more than 30 languages, selling millions of copies worldwide. Wallace was a dedicated writer who often collaborated with his family, including his wife, Sylvia Wallace, and children, Amy Wallace and David Wallechinsky, both of whom became writers.

5 Interesting Facts about Irving Wallace

1. Irving Wallace’s novel “The Prize” was adapted into a successful film starring Paul Newman in 1963.

2. His book “The Man” was one of the first novels to explore the concept of an African-American president, published in 1964.

3. Wallace was known for his rigorous research methods, often spending years gathering information before writing his novels.

4. He co-wrote “The People’s Almanac” and “The Book of Lists” with his son, David Wallechinsky, and daughter, Amy Wallace.

5. Despite his success as a novelist, Wallace started his writing career as a screenwriter in Hollywood, penning scripts for movies and television shows.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Irving Wallace

1. “Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure.”

2. “To be one’s own master is worth more than gold.”

3. “The best part of one’s life is the working part, the creative part. Believe me, I love to succeed… However, the real spiritual and emotional excitement is in the doing.”

4. “Success is best when it’s shared.”

5. “The important thing is to love what you are doing, to have a passion for it, and to be thoroughly absorbed in it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Irving Wallace’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Irving Wallace had two children: 1. Amy Wallace – An author and writer known for her own works as well as collaborations with her family. 2. David Wallechinsky – A noted author and historian, particularly known for co-authoring “The Book of Lists” and “The People’s Almanac” with his father.