Date of Birth: August 3, 1924
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: June 21, 2003
Biography
Leon Uris was an American author, born on August 3, 1924, in Baltimore, Maryland. He is best known for his historical novels, including the best-selling “Exodus,” which contributed to the popularization of the story of the founding of the State of Israel. Uris dropped out of high school to join the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, serving in the South Pacific. His experiences during the war profoundly influenced his writing, particularly his first novel, “Battle Cry,” which was based on his experiences in the Marines. After the war, Uris worked various jobs while trying to make it as a writer. His dedication paid off when “Battle Cry” was published in 1953 and became a bestseller. This success was followed by other notable works, including “Exodus” (1958), “Mila 18” (1961), “Armageddon: A Novel of Berlin” (1963), and “QB VII” (1970). Uris’s novels often explored themes of struggle, survival, and the human spirit, drawing from historical events and personal experiences. Throughout his career, Uris traveled extensively to research his books, immersing himself in the cultures and histories he wrote about. He married three times and had three children. Uris passed away on June 21, 2003, in Shelter Island, New York, leaving behind a legacy of impactful storytelling.
5 Interesting Facts about Leon Uris
1. Leon Uris served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, an experience that heavily influenced his writing.
2. His novel “Exodus” was adapted into a successful film in 1960, starring Paul Newman.
3. Uris wrote the screenplay for the 1957 film “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.”
4. He traveled to Israel, Poland, and other countries to conduct research for his novels.
5. “Exodus” was a significant cultural phenomenon, significantly impacting American perceptions of Israel and Jewish history.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Leon Uris
1. “Who here wants to be a writer? And why? Because it’s the greatest profession in the world.”
2. “With each book, you learn more.”
3. “I get up in the morning, torture a typewriter until it screams, then stop.”
4. “Writing, basically breaks down to relationships between people and that is what you write about.”
5. “My greatest reward is that people have responded to my work.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Leon Uris achieved an estimated net worth of $5 million.
Children
Leon Uris had three children: two daughters, Karen Uris and Rachel Uris, and one son, Michael Uris.
Relevant Links
1. [Leon Uris Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leon-Uris
2. [Leon Uris on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0882073/
3. [Leon Uris – Goodreads Author Page](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21439.Leon_Uris
