Walter Winchell

Date of Birth: April 7, 1897

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: February 20, 1972

Biography

Walter Winchell was an influential American journalist and radio personality, born on April 7, 1897, in New York City. He began his career in journalism with the Vaudeville News before transitioning to newspapers, where he became known for his sensationalist style of gossip reporting. Winchell’s column, which appeared in the New York Daily Mirror, was widely read during the 1930s and 1940s, making him one of the most powerful media figures of his time. He later expanded his reach through a popular radio show, where his rapid-fire delivery and dramatic style captivated millions of listeners. Winchell’s career was marked by his ability to blend news with entertainment, a precursor to today’s celebrity journalism. He wielded considerable influence, often making or breaking careers with a single mention in his column. Despite his success, Winchell’s career declined in the 1950s, partly due to his controversial support of Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare. He passed away on February 20, 1972, in Los Angeles, California.

5 Interesting Facts about Walter Winchell

1. Walter Winchell introduced the term “infotainment” to describe the blend of information and entertainment in his reporting style.

2. He was one of the first journalists to use the radio extensively, reaching an estimated audience of 20 million listeners.

3. Winchell’s column was syndicated to over 2,000 newspapers at the peak of his career.

4. He had a famous feud with columnist Ed Sullivan, which lasted for decades.

5. Winchell played himself in several movies, including the 1957 film “The Sweet Smell of Success,” which was loosely based on his life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Walter Winchell

1. “Gossip is the art of saying nothing in a way that leaves practically nothing unsaid.”

2. “I usually get my stuff from people who promised somebody else that they would keep it a secret.”

3. “Nothing recedes like success.”

4. “A pessimist is one who builds dungeons in the air.”

5. “The same thing happened today that happened yesterday, only to different people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career in the 1940s, Walter Winchell’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Walter Winchell had three children with his wife, Rita Greene: Walda, Waldo, and Gloria. Tragically, Waldo died at a young age, and Gloria passed away in 1969 due to pneumonia.