James Thurber was a renowned American cartoonist, author, journalist, and playwright who left an indelible mark on the world of humor through his works. He was known for his wit and celebrated the comic frustrations and eccentricities of everyday people. In this article, we will delve into James Thurber net worth, career achievements, personal life, and other interesting facts about him.
Quick Facts
Full Name | James Grover Thurber |
Popular Name | James Thurber |
Gender | Male |
Birth Date | December 8, 1894 |
Age | Died at age 66 (November 2, 1961) |
Parents | Charles Leander Thurber and Mary Agnes Mame Fisher |
Siblings | Not Available |
Birth Place | Columbus, Ohio, United States |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Not Known |
Education | Attended Ohio State University but did not graduate due to poor eyesight. Posthumously awarded a degree in 1995 |
Marital Status | Married |
Sexual Orientation | Heterosexual |
Spouse | Althea Adams Thurber (first wife), Helen Wismer Thurber (second wife) |
Children | One daughter, Rosemary, with first wife Althea |
Dating | Not Available |
Net Worth | $500 Thousand |
Source of Wealth | Cartoonist, Author, Journalist, Playwright |
Height | Not Available |
Weight | Not Available |
What is James Thurber Net Worth and Salary in 2023?
As of 2023, James Thurber’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000. Despite his immense talent and success in the field of humor, Thurber never attained great wealth during his lifetime. His legacy, however, continues to inspire new generations of writers, artists, and comedians. Check out James Randi Net Worth.
Why is James Thurber Famous?
James Thurber is famous for his humorous and satirical writings that reflect the absurdities of life, especially in ordinary people. He was a master of irony and humor, with a keen eye for observing human nature and behavior. His works have been adapted into films and plays, making him a household name worldwide.
James Thurber Career and Awards
James Thurber started his career in the early 1920s as a journalist and art critic for various newspapers. In 1927, he joined The New Yorker, where he worked as a contributing editor and cartoonist for over thirty years. Some of his most famous works include The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Catbird Seat, and The Unicorn in the Garden.
Thurber’s contributions to literature and humor were recognized with several prestigious awards during his lifetime. He was honored with a special Tony Award for the adapted script of A Thurber Carnival. The University of Michigan also awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 1959.
James Thurber Biography Overview
Early Life
James Thurber was born in Columbus, Ohio, to Charles L. Thurber and Mary Agnes Mame (née Fisher) Thurber on December 8, 1894. His father was a sporadically employed clerk and minor politician who dreamed of being a lawyer or an actor. Thurber’s mother was a practical joker and had a great sense of humor, which greatly influenced her son’s writing style.
When Thurber was seven years old, he lost one of his eyes after an accident while playing with his brother. This injury made it difficult for him to play sports and other activities but allowed him to develop a creative mind that he used to express himself in his writings.
Education
From 1913 to 1918, Thurber attended Ohio State University, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and editor of the student magazine, the Sundial. It was during this time that he rented the house on 77 Jefferson Avenue, which became Thurber House in 1984. However, he never graduated from the university due to his poor eyesight, which prevented him from taking a mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) course.
Personal Life
In 1925, James Thurber married Althea Adams, who was a former student of his at The Ohio State University. They remained married until her death in 1961. The couple had a daughter named Rosemary.
James Thurber passed away on November 2, 1961, at the age of 66. He left behind a rich legacy that inspired generations of writers and comedians. Also, you might like James St James Net Worth.
James Thurber List News 2023
In 2023, James Thurber’s classic short story The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is set to be adapted into a new movie version starring Benedict Cumberbatch. This new adaptation promises to capture the essence of Thurber’s unique writing style while bringing it to a new generation of viewers.
FAQs About James Thurber
What were James Thurber’s most famous works?
James Thurber’s most famous works include The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Catbird Seat, and The Unicorn in the Garden. He also wrote several books, including My Life and Hard Times, The Thirteen Clocks, and The Wonderful O.
Did James Thurber win any awards during his lifetime?
Yes, James Thurber won several awards during his lifetime for his contributions to literature and humor. He was honored with a special Tony Award for the adapted script of A Thurber Carnival, and the University of Michigan awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 1959.
How did James Thurber’s injury affect his life and career?
James Thurber lost one of his eyes at a young age due to an accident while playing with his brother. This injury made it difficult for him to participate in sports and other activities, but it allowed him to develop a creative mind that he used to express himself in his writings. Despite his visual impairment, Thurber went on to become one of the most celebrated humorists of his time.
See also:
- https://www.neh.gov/humanities/2015/januaryfebruary/feature/james-thurber-lost-most-his-eyesight-tragic-childhood-accide
- E B White Net Worth
- Robert Benchley Net Worth
- Rosemary Thurber Net Worth
Conclusion
James Thurber was one of the most influential humorists of the early 20th century. His wit and humor continue to inspire new generations of writers and comedians, making him a household name worldwide. Despite not being as financially successful during his lifetime, Thurber’s legacy continues to thrive through his works, which celebrate the eccentricities of everyday people.
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