Norman Mailer

Date of Birth: January 31, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: November 10, 2007

Biography

Norman Kingsley Mailer was an influential American novelist, journalist, essayist, playwright, film-maker, actor, and political activist. Born on January 31, 1923, in Long Branch, New Jersey, Mailer grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Harvard University, where he studied engineering, but his true passion lay in writing. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Mailer published his first novel, “The Naked and the Dead,” in 1948, which was a critical and commercial success. Mailer was known for his innovative narrative techniques and his willingness to tackle controversial subjects. Over his prolific career, he authored numerous novels, essays, and works of non-fiction, including “The Armies of the Night,” which won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. He also co-founded The Village Voice, an influential alternative weekly newspaper. Mailer’s personal life was as colorful and complex as his writing. He was married six times and had nine children. His works often explored the complexities of human nature, politics, and society, and he remained a significant figure in American literature until his death on November 10, 2007, in New York City.

5 Interesting Facts about Norman Mailer

1. Norman Mailer co-founded The Village Voice in 1955, which became one of the most influential alternative weekly newspapers.

2. He won the Pulitzer Prize twice: once for “The Armies of the Night” and again for “The Executioner’s Song.”

3. Mailer ran for Mayor of New York City in 1969 with a platform that included the secession of New York City from the state.

4. He directed the experimental film “Wild 90” in 1968, showcasing his versatility and interest in various forms of media.

5. Mailer was known for his feuds with other writers, including Gore Vidal, with whom he had a famous altercation on The Dick Cavett Show in 1971.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Norman Mailer

1. “The natural role of twentieth-century man is anxiety.”

2. “You don’t know a woman until you have had a fight with her.”

3. “Every moment of one’s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less.”

4. “Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honor.”

5. “There is no greater importance in all the world like knowing you are right and that the wave of history is flowing in your direction.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Norman Mailer’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Norman Mailer had nine children from his six marriages. His children include Susan, Danielle, Elizabeth, Michael, Stephen, Kate, Maggie, Matthew, and John Buffalo Mailer. Several of his children have pursued careers in writing, acting, and other creative fields.