Date of Birth: November 29, 1953
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Biography
Mary Schmich is an accomplished journalist and author best known for her long-standing column in the Chicago Tribune and her widely recognized essay “Wear Sunscreen,” which gained international fame. Schmich was born in Savannah, Georgia, and grew up in a large family with seven siblings. She attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where she earned a degree in American studies before moving on to earn a master’s degree from the journalism school at Stanford University. Schmich began her career in journalism at the Peninsula Times Tribune in Palo Alto, California. She later worked for the Orlando Sentinel before joining the Chicago Tribune in 1985. Over the years, her columns have touched on a broad range of topics, from social issues and personal anecdotes to political commentary. Her writing is often marked by its humor, warmth, and insight. In addition to her work as a journalist, Schmich co-authored the comic strip “Brenda Starr, Reporter” from 1985 until its conclusion in 2011. Her essay “Wear Sunscreen,” initially published in June 1997 as a column, was later turned into a popular spoken word song by Baz Luhrmann, catapulting her to international fame. Schmich has received numerous awards for her journalism, including the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2012. She retired from the Chicago Tribune in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of impactful writing that has influenced countless readers.
5 Interesting Facts about Mary Schmich
1. Mary Schmich won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2012.
2. Her essay “Wear Sunscreen” became a global phenomenon after being turned into a song by Baz Luhrmann.
3. She co-authored the comic strip “Brenda Starr, Reporter” for 26 years.
4. Schmich retired from the Chicago Tribune in 2021 after 36 years of service.
5. She grew up in a large family with seven siblings.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mary Schmich
1. “Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts. Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.”
2. “The real questions are the ones that obtrude upon your consciousness whether you like it or not.”
3. “Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.”
4. “Advice is a form of nostalgia.”
5. “You’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Mary Schmich’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Mary Schmich does not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Chicago Tribune Column Archive](https://www.chicagotribune.com/
2. [Pulitzer Prize Announcement](https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/mary-schmich
5. [Brenda Starr, Reporter](https://www.comicskingdom.com/brenda-starr
