Larry McMurtry

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.

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.

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'.

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.