Date of Birth: May 1, 1924
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: October 29, 1995
Biography
Terry Southern was an American writer, known for his satirical and often outrageous novels, screenplays, and short stories. Born in Alvarado, Texas, Southern became a prominent figure in the literary and film worlds during the mid-20th century. He is most famous for his contributions to the screenplays of iconic films such as “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” “Easy Rider,” and “Barbarella.” Southern’s work is characterized by its dark humor and keen social commentary, making him a significant voice in both 1960s counterculture and mainstream Hollywood. After graduating from Southern Methodist University and Northwestern University, Southern served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He later moved to Paris, where he became part of the expatriate literary scene, meeting and befriending influential writers like William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg. His first novel, “Flash and Filigree,” was published in 1958 and marked the beginning of his prolific career. Southern’s writing not only garnered critical acclaim but also influenced generations of writers and filmmakers.
5 Interesting Facts about Terry Southern
1. Terry Southern co-wrote the screenplay for “Dr. Strangelove” with Stanley Kubrick and Peter George.
2. He was a contributing writer for the groundbreaking satirical magazine “The Realist.”
3. Southern was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for “Easy Rider.”
4. He taught screenwriting at New York University in the 1980s.
5. His novel “The Magic Christian” was adapted into a film starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Terry Southern
1. “The important thing in writing is the capacity to astonish, not shock—shock is a worn-out word.”
2. “The natural state of the sentient adult is a qualified unhappiness.”
3. “True humor is a kind of spontaneous truth; it’s a necessary truth.”
4. “It’s not the teaching that counts. It’s the content.”
5. “Sometimes we’ve got to rebel against what we know just to prove we’re alive.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Southern’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Terry Southern had one son, Nile Southern, who is a writer and editor, known for preserving and promoting his father’s literary legacy.
Relevant Links
1. [Terry Southern on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0816134/
2. [Terry Southern on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Southern
3. [The Terry Southern Trust](http://www.terrysouthern.com/
5. [Terry Southern Papers at the New York Public Library](https://archives.nypl.org/brg/19181
