Kenneth Tynan

Date of Birth: April 2, 1927

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: July 26, 1980

Biography

Kenneth Tynan was a renowned British theatre critic and writer, known for his sharp wit, incisive reviews, and influential role in shaping modern theatre criticism. Born on April 2, 1927, in Birmingham, England, Tynan was educated at King Edward’s School, Birmingham, and later at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he studied English Literature. Tynan started his career as a theatre critic for various publications, including the Evening Standard and The Observer, where he became known for his eloquent and often controversial reviews. His writing style was characterized by its elegance, erudition, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, making him a formidable voice in the world of theatre. In the 1950s and 1960s, Tynan played a pivotal role in the rise of the Royal Court Theatre in London, advocating for new and innovative playwrights like John Osborne, whose play “Look Back in Anger” became a seminal work in British theatre. Tynan’s support for the play and its author marked a turning point in modern drama, ushering in an era of more realistic and socially relevant theatre. Tynan later became the literary manager of the National Theatre, where he continued to champion bold and challenging works. He was also involved in the production of “Oh! Calcutta!”, a controversial revue that pushed the boundaries of censorship and public taste. Throughout his career, Tynan remained a passionate advocate for the arts, contributing essays, reviews, and articles to various publications. His influence extended beyond theatre, impacting the broader cultural landscape of his time. Tynan passed away on July 26, 1980, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential critics of the 20th century.

5 Interesting Facts about Kenneth Tynan

1. Kenneth Tynan was known for his distinctive fashion sense, often wearing a red carnation in his buttonhole.

2. Tynan was the first person to use the word “fuck” on British television, during a live broadcast in 1965.

3. He was an advocate for the abolition of theatre censorship in the UK, which was achieved in 1968.

4. Tynan wrote a controversial profile of Johnny Carson for The New Yorker, which led to a temporary ban from the magazine.

5. He was married twice, first to actress Elaine Dundy and later to author Kathleen Tynan.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kenneth Tynan

1. “A critic is a man who knows the way but can’t drive the car.”

2. “No theatre could sanely flourish until there was an umbilical connection between what was happening on the stage and what was happening in the world.”

3. “What I want is to be loved by the people I respect.”

4. “A good critic is the man who knows what he is talking about and is not afraid to say it.”

5. “Art is the means we have of undoing the damage of haste. It’s what everything else isn’t.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Kenneth Tynan’s highest net worth was modest compared to today’s standards for cultural figures, estimated at around $1 million at the time of his death.

Children

Kenneth Tynan had two children: Tracy Tynan, a costume designer and author, from his first marriage to Elaine Dundy, and Matthew Tynan, from his second marriage to Kathleen Tynan.