Thornton Wilder

Thornton Wilder

Deceased · Born: Apr 17, 1897 · Died: Dec 7, 1975

Personal Details

BornApr 17, 1897 Madison, Wisconsin, USA

Biography

Thornton Niven Wilder, a notable individual, was born into a family of distinction, with the distinction of being the second of five siblings to Amos Parker Wilder, a prominent newspaper editor and U.S. diplomat, and Isabella Niven Wilder. This remarkable individual's childhood was characterized by his father's diplomatic assignments, which resulted in the family relocating to various parts of the world, including Hong Kong and Shanghai, between the years 1906 and 1914. Wilder's early educational endeavors were completed in the state of California, after which he pursued his undergraduate studies at the esteemed Yale University.

He embarked on a subsequent academic odyssey, venturing to the renowned American Academy in Rome, where he immersed himself in the study of archeology, further expanding his intellectual horizons.

Wilder's academic trajectory reached its pinnacle with the successful completion of his Master's degree in French, a testament to his unwavering dedication and perseverance, at the esteemed Princeton University in the year 1926.

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Biography:

Not provided.

Billy Wilder's literary journey commenced with the release of his inaugural play, "The Trumpet Shall Sound," which made its debut in the esteemed Yale Literary Magazine in the year 1920. This initial foray into the world of playwriting marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for storytelling that would soon evolve into a remarkable literary career.

Five years later, in 1926, Wilder's first novel, "The Cabala," hit the shelves, weaving a narrative tapestry rich with allusions to his own experiences during his time in Europe. The novel skillfully wove together threads of American expatriate life, featuring notable mentions of influential figures such as Gertrude Stein, whose own literary endeavors had been making waves across the continent.

Thornton Wilder, a renowned American author, marked a significant milestone in his literary career with the publication of his second novel, "The Bridge of San Luis Rey", in the year 1928. This notable work would ultimately earn him his initial Pulitzer Prize, a prestigious award that recognizes excellence in literature. Following this accomplishment, Wilder continued to make a lasting impact on the world of drama, securing the Pulitzer Prize for his play "Our Town" in 1938, and subsequently, for his work "The Skin of Our Teeth" in 1943, further solidifying his reputation as a masterful playwright.

As the world grappled with the complexities and devastating consequences of World War II, a renowned figure emerged, leaving an indelible mark on the realm of cinema. Wilder, a stalwart individual, donned the uniform of the Army Air Force, his dedication and perseverance culminating in his ascent to the esteemed rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

It was during this tumultuous period that Wilder's creative genius flourished, as he penned the screenplay for the iconic film "Shadow of a Doubt," a masterpiece directed by the inimitable Alfred Hitchcock.

Carol Channing, an American actress, singer, and dancer, originated the iconic role of Dolly Gallagher Levi in the 1964 Broadway musical comedy adaptation of Thornton Wilder's play "The Matchmaker", which was re-titled "Hello, Dolly!". The production, directed by Gower Champion, featured a star-studded cast, with Barbra Streisand taking on the lead role of Dolly Levi.

Noted American author, Thornton Wilder, enjoyed a lifelong camaraderie with a plethora of prominent individuals, including the illustrious Ernest Hemingway, the celebrated Gertrude Stein, and the talented Montgomery Clift.

He was subsequently honored with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom in the year 1963, a testament to his enduring impact on American literature.

Moreover, Wilder's literary prowess was further recognized when he received the esteemed National Book Award in 1967 for his remarkable novel, "The Eighth Day", a work that solidified his position as a master of the written word.

Career

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2004
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1989
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1988
Mr. North
Mr. North as Novel
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1983
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1977
Our Town
Our Town as Writer
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1959
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1955
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1944
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1943
Shadow of a Doubt
Shadow of a Doubt as Screenplay
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1940
Our Town
Our Town as Writer