Larry McMurtry

Larry McMurtry - Writers, Life Achievements and Childhood

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Larry McMurtry Biography Stories 

Larry McMurtry's Personal Details

Larry McMurtry is a famous American author who is known for his screenplay of the movie ‘Brokeback Mountain’

InformationDetail
BirthdayJune 3, 1936
NationalityAmerican
FamousWriters, Novelists
City/StateTexas
SpousesJo Scott McMurtry, Norma Faye Kesey
Known asLarry Jeff McMurtry
ChildrensJames McMurtry
Universities
  • 1960 - Rice University
  • University of North Texas
  • Archer City High School
Birth PlaceArcher City
Height184
GenderMale
FatherWilliam Jefferson McMurtry
MotherHazel Ruth McMurtry
Net Worth$0.5 million as of April 24,2017
Sun SignGemini
Born inArcher City
Famous asNovelist

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Larry McMurtry's photo

Who is Larry McMurtry?

'Pulitzer Prize'-winning author Larry McMurtry is known for his famous literary works like, 'Terms of Endearment', 'The Last Picture Show', 'Lonesome Dove', and ‘Horseman, Pass By'. Several of his writings have served as inspiration for American feature films and television series. Movies like 'Hud', 'Lovin' Molly', 'Texasville', and 'The Evening Star', amongst others, have been based on his novels. He has also found success with writing for the screen, be it for the television or for films. 'Montana' is one such work written for the small screen, while 'Falling from Grace', and 'Brokeback Mountain' are scripts meant for the movies. 'Brokeback Mountain', directed by the famous director, Ang Lee, in fact, was considered to be extremely well-written, thus bringing home for the author, the two prestigious honours, 'Academy Award' and 'Golden Globe'. He is also known for 'Terms of Endearment', a storyline that bagged the 'Oscar' for the movie adaptation. This prolific writer is also famous for his bookstore, 'Booked Up', which, with its huge collection of rare books, has earned him the reputation of being an ardent book-collector. He has been the recipient of several awards, the most significant one being the 'Pulitzer Prize' for his novel 'Lonesome Dove'

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Childhood & Early Life

Larry Jeff McMurtry was born to William Jefferson, a rancher, and Hazel Ruth, on June 3, 1936, in Archer City, Texas, United States. As a child, he was brought up on a farm in the outskirts of Archer City.

In 1958, he graduated from the 'University of North Texas' with a bachelor's degree. Two years later, he completed his master's from the 'Rice University' in Houston, Texas.

Career

In 1960, American novelist, Wallace Stegner, taught McMurtry, along with other authors like Robert Stone, Ken Kesey, and Gordon Lish, the art of writing fiction, at the 'Stanford University'.

The following year, he published his first book, 'Horseman, Pass By', a novel that describes how it is to live on a farm.

The book was later made into the movie 'Hud', in the year 1963, featuring Paul Newman and Patricia Neal.

In 1963, McMurtry penned the novel, 'Leaving Cheyenne', which was adapted for the movie, 'Lovin' Molly', which was shot much later.

He received a 'Guggenheim Fellowship' the next year, in 1964, for his contribution to literature. During the same time, the eminent novelist taught English, at the 'Rice University'.

In 1966, the prolific writer published the novel, 'The Last Picture Show', which was later made into a movie with the same title. The movie starred Timothy Bottoms and Jeff Bridges in the roles of Sonny Crawford and Duane Jackson.

From 1968-74, he published fiction and non-fiction works, like 'In A Narrow Grave: Essays on Texas', 'Moving On', 'All My Friends Are Going To Be Strangers', and 'It's Always We Rambled'.

During the same time, in 1970, he opened a used bookstore, called 'Booked Up', on a partnership basis.

In 1975, he wrote the novel, 'Terms of Endearment', which like his other works, formed the basis of a movie starring Shirley MacLaine, and Jack Nicholson, having the same name.

During 1978-83, the celebrated author brought out more works like 'Somebody's Darling', 'The Desert Rose', and 'Cadillac Jack', all of them being well-received by readers and reviewers.

Two years later, in 1985, Larry released the novel 'Lonesome Dove'. The book was the inspiration behind a television series with the same title.

In 1987, he penned the novel, 'Texasville', which was turned into a film, meant as a sequel to 'The Last Picture Show'. The following year, the brilliant writer inaugurated another branch of his bookstore, 'Booked Up', in his hometown of Archer City. The second branch of 'Booked Up' houses a collection of almost 450000 rare used books.

From 1989-90, the renowned novelist also published the books, 'Some Can Whistle' and 'Buffalo Girls'. The latter was made into a TV programme of the same name. Larry McMurtry also wrote the script for a television film titled 'Montana'.

In 1992, he wrote 'The Evening Star', which was once again made into a movie. The same year, he penned the screenplay for a movie, 'Falling from Grace', with American rockstar John Mellencamp in the lead.

Throughout the remaining decade, he wrote novels like 'Streets of Laredo', 'Dead Man's Walk', 'Comanche Moon', 'Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen: Reflections on Sixty and Beyond', and 'Duane's Depressed'.

The American writer also wrote two biographies, 'Crazy Horse: A Life', and 'Pretty Boy Floyd', of which the latter, based on gangster Charles Floyd's life, has elements of fiction in it.

The 'New York Review Books' released a book of essays, ‘Sacagawea's Nickname’, written by this famous author, in 2001. The book contained, not just essays but also reviews of other books, and several articles.

During the 2002-04, he wrote the novels, Sin Killer, The Wandering Hill, By Sorrow's River, and Folly and Glory.

In 2005, McMurtry and Diana Ossana wrote the screenplay for an American film by Ang Lee, 'Brokeback Mountain'.

From 2007-2014, he has published several works of fiction like 'When the Light Goes', Books: A Memoir, Rhino Ranch: A Novel, Custer, and The Last Kind Words Saloon. Also during this time, being unable to compete with the internet boom in the sale of books, he had to close down 'Booked Up', and auction off his collection.

Major Works

This writer is best known for his screen adaptation of E. Annie Proulx's short story, 'Brokeback Mountain', in collaboration with Diana Ossana. The movie was directed by Taiwanese-American filmmaker Ang Lee, and stars Heath Ledger alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.

Awards & Achievements

In 1962, the 'Texas Institute of Letters' presented him with the 'Jesse H. Jones Award' for the book, 'Horseman, Pass By'.

Four years later, he was felicitated with the 'Amon G. Carter' award for his non-fictional work, 'Texas: Good Times Gone or Here Again?'.

He once again won the 'Jesse H. Jones Award', in 1967, this time for the book, ‘The Last Picture Show’.

In 1985, Larry was honoured with the 'Pulitzer Prize' for his novel, 'Lonesome Dove'. The next year, he was felicitated with the 'Jesse H. Jones Award' and 'Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award', for the same book.

McMurtry shared with Diana Ossana, the 'Academy Award' and the 'Golden Globe' for their screenplay of the film, 'Brokeback Mountain', in 2006.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 1959, Larry McMurtry was married to Jo Ballard Scott, with who he had a son, James, a singer-songwriter. However, the couple separated after almost seven years of marriage.

Recently, the famous author got wedded to Norma Faye Kesey, on April 29, 2011. Norma was earlier married to McMurtry's friend Ken Kessey, before the latter's death.

Trivia

In the 2006 ‘Golden Globe’ award ceremony, this American writer who won in the category of ‘Best Screenplay’ went the unconventional way, by mentioning his ‘Hermes 3000’ typewriter, instead of thanking family

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Larry McMurtry's awards

YearNameAward

Other

2006BAFTA Award for Best Screenplay
0Adapted - Brokeback Mountain
2006Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay - Brokeback Mountain
1985Spur Award for Best Western Novel - Lonesome Dove
1964Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts
0US & Canada
1986Helmerich Award
1998Spur Award for Best Novel of the West - Comanche Moon
02006 - Academy Award for Best Writing Adapted Screenplay - Brokeback Mountain
0 1986 - Pulitzer Prize for Fiction - Lonesome Dove
0 2006 - Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay - Motion Picture - Brokeback Mountain

Larry McMurtry biography timelines

  • // 3rd Jun 1936
    Larry Jeff McMurtry was born to William Jefferson, a rancher, and Hazel Ruth, on June 3, 1936, in Archer City, Texas, United States. As a child, he was brought up on a farm in the outskirts of Archer City.
  • // 1958
    In 1958, he graduated from the 'University of North Texas' with a bachelor's degree. Two years later, he completed his master's from the 'Rice University' in Houston, Texas.
  • // 1959
    In 1959, Larry McMurtry was married to Jo Ballard Scott, with who he had a son, James, a singer-songwriter. However, the couple separated after almost seven years of marriage.
  • // 1960
    In 1960, American novelist, Wallace Stegner, taught McMurtry, along with other authors like Robert Stone, Ken Kesey, and Gordon Lish, the art of writing fiction, at the 'Stanford University'.
  • // 1962
    In 1962, the 'Texas Institute of Letters' presented him with the 'Jesse H. Jones Award' for the book, 'Horseman, Pass By'.
  • // 1963
    The book was later made into the movie 'Hud', in the year 1963, featuring Paul Newman and Patricia Neal.
  • // 1963
    In 1963, McMurtry penned the novel, 'Leaving Cheyenne', which was adapted for the movie, 'Lovin' Molly', which was shot much later.
  • // 1964
    He received a 'Guggenheim Fellowship' the next year, in 1964, for his contribution to literature. During the same time, the eminent novelist taught English, at the 'Rice University'.
  • // 1966
    In 1966, the prolific writer published the novel, 'The Last Picture Show', which was later made into a movie with the same title. The movie starred Timothy Bottoms and Jeff Bridges in the roles of Sonny Crawford and Duane Jackson.
  • // 1967
    He once again won the 'Jesse H. Jones Award', in 1967, this time for the book, ‘The Last Picture Show’.
  • // 1968 To 1974
    From 1968-74, he published fiction and non-fiction works, like 'In A Narrow Grave: Essays on Texas', 'Moving On', 'All My Friends Are Going To Be Strangers', and 'It's Always We Rambled'.
  • // 1970
    During the same time, in 1970, he opened a used bookstore, called 'Booked Up', on a partnership basis.
  • // 1975
    In 1975, he wrote the novel, 'Terms of Endearment', which like his other works, formed the basis of a movie starring Shirley MacLaine, and Jack Nicholson, having the same name.
  • // 1978 To 1983
    During 1978-83, the celebrated author brought out more works like 'Somebody's Darling', 'The Desert Rose', and 'Cadillac Jack', all of them being well-received by readers and reviewers.
  • // 1985
    Two years later, in 1985, Larry released the novel 'Lonesome Dove'. The book was the inspiration behind a television series with the same title.
  • // 1985
    In 1985, Larry was honoured with the 'Pulitzer Prize' for his novel, 'Lonesome Dove'. The next year, he was felicitated with the 'Jesse H. Jones Award' and 'Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award', for the same book.
  • // 1987
    In 1987, he penned the novel, 'Texasville', which was turned into a film, meant as a sequel to 'The Last Picture Show'. The following year, the brilliant writer inaugurated another branch of his bookstore, 'Booked Up', in his hometown of Archer City. The second branch of 'Booked Up' houses a collection of almost 450000 rare used books.
  • // 1989 To 1990
    From 1989-90, the renowned novelist also published the books, 'Some Can Whistle' and 'Buffalo Girls'. The latter was made into a TV programme of the same name. Larry McMurtry also wrote the script for a television film titled 'Montana'.
  • // 1992
    In 1992, he wrote 'The Evening Star', which was once again made into a movie. The same year, he penned the screenplay for a movie, 'Falling from Grace', with American rockstar John Mellencamp in the lead.
  • // 2001
    The 'New York Review Books' released a book of essays, ‘Sacagawea's Nickname’, written by this famous author, in 2001. The book contained, not just essays but also reviews of other books, and several articles.
  • // 2002
    During the 2002-04, he wrote the novels, Sin Killer, The Wandering Hill, By Sorrow's River, and Folly and Glory.
  • // 2005
    In 2005, McMurtry and Diana Ossana wrote the screenplay for an American film by Ang Lee, 'Brokeback Mountain'.
  • // 2006
    McMurtry shared with Diana Ossana, the 'Academy Award' and the 'Golden Globe' for their screenplay of the film, 'Brokeback Mountain', in 2006.
  • // 2006
    In the 2006 ‘Golden Globe’ award ceremony, this American writer who won in the category of ‘Best Screenplay’ went the unconventional way, by mentioning his ‘Hermes 3000’ typewriter, instead of thanking family
  • // 2007 To 2014
    From 2007-2014, he has published several works of fiction like 'When the Light Goes', Books: A Memoir, Rhino Ranch: A Novel, Custer, and The Last Kind Words Saloon. Also during this time, being unable to compete with the internet boom in the sale of books, he had to close down 'Booked Up', and auction off his collection.
  • // 29th Apr 2011
    Recently, the famous author got wedded to Norma Faye Kesey, on April 29, 2011. Norma was earlier married to McMurtry's friend Ken Kessey, before the latter's death.

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Larry McMurtry's FAQ

  • What is Larry McMurtry birthday?

    Larry McMurtry was born at 1936-06-03

  • Where is Larry McMurtry's birth place?

    Larry McMurtry was born in Archer City

  • What is Larry McMurtry nationalities?

    Larry McMurtry's nationalities is American

  • Who is Larry McMurtry spouses?

    Larry McMurtry's spouses is Jo Scott McMurtry, Norma Faye Kesey

  • Who is Larry McMurtry childrens?

    Larry McMurtry's childrens is James McMurtry

  • What was Larry McMurtry universities?

    Larry McMurtry studied at 1960 - Rice University, University of North Texas, Archer City High School

  • How tall is Larry McMurtry?

    Larry McMurtry's height is 184

  • Who is Larry McMurtry's father?

    Larry McMurtry's father is William Jefferson McMurtry

  • Who is Larry McMurtry's mother?

    Larry McMurtry's mother is Hazel Ruth McMurtry

  • What is Larry McMurtry's sun sign?

    Larry McMurtry is Gemini

  • How famous is Larry McMurtry?

    Larry McMurtry is famouse as Novelist