Date of Birth: May 12, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: November 24, 2019
Biography
John Simon, born Iván Simonics, was a Hungarian-American author and critic who made a significant mark in the world of literary and film criticism. Known for his sharp wit and often acerbic reviews, Simon was a prominent figure in the American cultural landscape from the mid-20th century onwards. He was born on May 12, 1925, in Subotica, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), and emigrated to the United States in the early 1940s. Simon earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and later completed his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature. Throughout his career, John Simon wrote for numerous prestigious publications, including The New York Times, New York Magazine, and The National Review. He was particularly known for his uncompromising standards and his willingness to critique even the most revered figures in literature and film. Despite his often controversial opinions, he was respected for his deep knowledge and insightful analysis. Simon passed away on November 24, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of critical thought that continues to influence the fields of literature and film criticism.
5 Interesting Facts about John Simon
1. John Simon was fluent in multiple languages, including Hungarian, German, French, and English.
2. He was known for his scathing reviews, which often sparked controversy and debate.
3. Simon published several books, including collections of his reviews and essays on theater and film.
4. He worked as a professor of English and Comparative Literature at several universities, including Bard College.
5. Despite his often harsh critiques, Simon was awarded several prestigious honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Simon
1. “Criticism, at its best, is an art form unto itself.”
2. “To be truly great, an artist must be willing to risk failure.”
3. “The role of the critic is not to be liked, but to be understood.”
4. “Good criticism is built on the foundation of passionate engagement with the subject.”
5. “The most important thing a critic can do is to be honest, even if it means being unpopular.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, John Simon’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
John Simon did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [John Simon – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Simon_(critic
2. [The New York Times Obituary](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/25/obituaries/john-simon-dead.html
3. [National Review Articles](https://www.nationalreview.com/author/john-simon/
5. [John Simon’s Books on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/John-Simon/e/B001H6IW60
