Date of Birth: February 6, 1929
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: September 4, 2009
Biography
Keith Waterhouse was a renowned British novelist, newspaper columnist, and playwright. Born in Leeds, England, Waterhouse began his career as a reporter for the Yorkshire Evening Post before moving to London to write for various newspapers. His literary career took off with the publication of his first novel, “There is a Happy Land,” in 1957. However, it was his second book, “Billy Liar,” published in 1959, that cemented his status as a significant figure in British literature. The novel, which tells the story of a young man with a vivid imagination who struggles to escape his mundane life, was later adapted into a successful play, film, and TV series. Waterhouse continued to write prolifically throughout his career, producing numerous novels, plays, and screenplays. He was also a highly respected columnist, known for his wit and keen observations on British society. His columns appeared in newspapers such as the Daily Mirror and the Daily Mail. Waterhouse’s contributions to literature and journalism were recognized with various awards, including the Golden Pan Award for selling over a million copies of his novels.
5 Interesting Facts about Keith Waterhouse
1. Keith Waterhouse co-wrote the screenplay for the 1963 film adaptation of “Billy Liar” alongside Willis Hall.
2. He was a founding member of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain.
3. Waterhouse was known for his meticulous work ethic, often spending hours perfecting a single sentence.
4. He once held the position of chairman of the British Guild of Newspaper Editors.
5. In addition to his writing career, Waterhouse was an avid supporter of the Labour Party and often used his columns to comment on political issues.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Keith Waterhouse
1. “The only way to live like a king is to work like a slave.”
2. “Without literature, life is hell.”
3. “I have always been suspicious of people who are obsessed with their own longevity.”
4. “Life is like a novel. It’s filled with suspense. You have no idea what is going to happen until you turn the page.”
5. “Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Keith Waterhouse’s net worth was estimated to be around £2 million.
Children
Keith Waterhouse had two children: a son named Robert and a daughter named Sarah.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Keith Waterhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Waterhouse
2. [The Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2009/sep/05/keith-waterhouse-obituary
3. [IMDb – Keith Waterhouse](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0913875/
