Date of Birth: February 27, 1913
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: May 16, 1984
Biography
Irwin Shaw was an American playwright, screenwriter, and novelist, best known for his rich and powerful narratives that explore the complexities of human relationships and societal issues. Born Irwin Gilbert Shamforoff on February 27, 1913, in the Bronx, New York City, he changed his last name to Shaw while attending Brooklyn College to avoid any potential bias against his Russian-Jewish heritage. Shaw first gained prominence as a playwright with his anti-war play “Bury the Dead” in 1936, a stark and emotional critique of war that resonated deeply with audiences. His transition to fiction was marked by the publication of his first novel, “The Young Lions” in 1948, which became a bestseller and was later adapted into a successful film. This novel, which delves into the lives of three soldiers during World War II, established Shaw as a significant literary figure. Throughout his career, Shaw wrote numerous novels, short stories, and screenplays, earning a reputation for his keen insight into human nature and his ability to weave compelling narratives. Some of his notable works include “Rich Man, Poor Man” (1970), which was adapted into a highly successful television miniseries, and “Evening in Byzantium” (1973). Shaw’s writing often reflected his disdain for materialism and his concern for the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in modern society. Despite facing criticism for some of his later works, Shaw remained a prolific writer until his death on May 16, 1984.
5 Interesting Facts about Irwin Shaw
1. Irwin Shaw’s original last name was Shamforoff, which he changed to Shaw in college.
2. His novel “The Young Lions” was adapted into a film in 1958, starring Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, and Dean Martin.
3. Shaw was a staff writer for “The New Yorker” and contributed many short stories to the magazine.
4. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, which significantly influenced his writing.
5. “Rich Man, Poor Man” was one of the first successful American television miniseries, bringing Shaw’s work to a broader audience.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Irwin Shaw
1. “You must avoid sloth, that wicked siren.”
2. “Posterity makes the judgments. There are going to be a lot of surprises in store for everybody.”
3. “No writer need feel sorry for himself if he writes and enjoys it, even if he doesn’t get paid.”
4. “Writers of fiction, when they begin their work, must believe that they invent the world and the people in it.”
5. “If you write a story, you can consider yourself an artist, but if you write three, you are a hack.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Irwin Shaw’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, a significant amount for a writer in his time.
Children
Irwin Shaw had one son, Adam Shaw, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a writer and journalist.
Relevant Links
1. [Irwin Shaw on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irwin_Shaw
2. [Irwin Shaw’s Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/writer/irwin-shaw
3. [Irwin Shaw’s Books on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10291.Irwin_Shaw
