Truman Capote

NAME Truman Capote

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Truman Capote is famous for his works of literature, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's and the true crime novel In Cold Blood.

BIRTH Truman Capote was born on September 30, 1924, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

FAMILY BACKGROUND  Capote was born Truman Streckfus Persons to Archulus Persons and Lillie Mae Faulk. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was largely raised by relatives in Monroeville, Alabama.

CHILDHOOD Truman had a tumultuous childhood, often feeling neglected by his mother, who eventually remarried. Solitary and imaginative, often feeling isolated and different, Truman developed a strong bond with his cousin and caretaker, "Sook".

He formed a close friendship with Harper Lee, his neighbor, who would later write To Kill a Mockingbird.

EDUCATION Truman developed a passion for reading and writing early on, which was nurtured by his extended family in Alabama. 

Truman attended various schools, including the Trinity School and St. Joseph Military Academy. He did not attend college, instead choosing to focus on his writing career from a young age.

CAREER RECORD Capote began his career at The New Yorker. He gained early success with his first novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948). His notable works include Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and In Cold Blood (1966), the latter of which is considered one of the first non-fiction novels. He was also known for his short stories, plays, and screenplays.

APPEARANCE  Truman Capote was 5 feet 3 inches tall and known for his distinctive, high-pitched voice and unique vocal mannerisms. He had a round face and often sported a blond, boyish haircut. He was known for his distinctive voice, sharp wit, and flamboyant style.

Truman Capote, 1980

FASHION Capote had a sophisticated and flamboyant sense of fashion, often wearing bespoke suits and accessories that matched his eccentric personality. He was often seen in tailored suits and was a fixture in New York's social scene.

CHARACTER Capote was charismatic, witty, and often the center of attention at social gatherings. However, he also had a darker side, marked by bouts of depression and substance abuse. He possessed a deep understanding of human nature and could be manipulative and demanding. Capote's complex personality made him both endearing and controversial.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Capote had a sharp wit and a biting sense of humor. He was known for his clever and often cutting remarks, which endeared him to some and alienated others.

RELATIONSHIPS Capote had several high-profile relationships throughout his life, including a long-term relationship with fellow writer Jack Dunphy. His social circle included many famous personalities, and he was a regular fixture at New York's elite social events.

Truman Capote threw a party that’s still the stuff of legend. The Black and White Ball, a masquerade extravaganza held at the Plaza Hotel on November 28, 1966, was the ultimate who’s who of the jet set. It was like throwing a diamond into a room full of magpies and seeing what happened. Capote spared no expense, dropping a cool sixteen grand on a night that would define a decade. The event was a cultural reset, launching a thousand copycat costume balls and proving once and for all that Capote was the king of the social scene.

MONEY AND FAME Capote achieved considerable financial success and fame through his writing. In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany's were particularly lucrative, allowing him to live a lavish lifestyle. However, his spending habits and personal issues often strained his finances.

FOOD AND DRINK Capote enjoyed fine dining and was often seen at exclusive restaurants. He had a taste for gourmet food and good wine, which he indulged in frequently.

MUSIC AND ARTS Capote appreciated the arts and was friends with many artists, musicians, and performers. He had a particular fondness for classical music and often attended concerts and art exhibitions.

LITERATURE Capote was an avid reader and a prolific writer. His literary influences included Marcel Proust, Edgar Allan Poe, and Henry James. He made significant contributions to both fiction and non-fiction, with his innovative writing style leaving a lasting impact on American literature.

Truman Capote was one of those kids who knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up: a writer. He was planning to become a writer by the time he was eight years old. He spent his childhood scribbling away like a mad thing, turning out stories as fast as a kid churns out dirtballs.

Eventually, he graduated from scribbling to something resembling actual prose. His first big break came with a 1945 short story called Miriam, which attracted the attention of Random House publisher Bennett Cerf. Suddenly, he was rubbing shoulders with the bigwigs of publishing. His first novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms, was the literary equivalent of a kid getting their driver’s license.

But it was In Cold Blood that really put him on the map. This wasn’t your average novel; it was more like a supercharged documentary. Six years of his life went into that book, and he even roped in his childhood buddy Harper Lee to help him out. The non-fiction novel was about the murder of four family members in Holcomb, Kansas on November 15, 1959. 

NATURE Capote did not often write about nature, and there is little evidence to suggest he spent much time in natural settings. His works were more focused on human nature and the complexities of social interactions.

PETS Capote was known to be an animal lover and had a bulldog named Charlie, who was his faithful companion for many years.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Capote enjoyed socializing and was a regular at high-profile parties and events. He was not particularly known for participating in sports, but he did enjoy traveling and experiencing new places and cultures.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Capote's work often explored philosophical themes related to human nature, morality, and the search for meaning. However, he did not align himself with any particular philosophical or theological school of thought.

POLITICS Capote was not heavily involved in politics, although he was known to have liberal views and supported civil rights movements. He preferred to focus on his writing and social life rather than political activism.

SCANDAL Capote's life was marked by several scandals, most notably the fallout from the publication of Answered Prayers, an unfinished novel that revealed intimate details about his friends and acquaintances in high society. This betrayal led to his social ostracization.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Capote struggled with health issues, including alcoholism and drug addiction. These problems worsened over time, contributing to his declining health in his later years.

HOMES Capote lived in various places throughout his life, including New York City, Alabama, and Switzerland. He spent his final years in Los Angeles, California.

TRAVEL Capote was well-traveled and often journeyed to Europe, where he spent time in Italy and Switzerland. He also traveled extensively across the United States for research and leisure.

DEATH Truman Capote died on August 25, 1984, at the home of his friend Joanne Carson in Bel Air, Los Angeles aged 59. The cause of death was liver disease complicated by phlebitis and multiple drug intoxication.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Capote's life and works have been the subject of several films, including Capote (2005) starring Philip Seymour Hoffman (for which he won an Oscar) and Infamous (2006) starring Toby Jones. Both films depict his journey while writing In Cold Blood.

Capote had a cameo role in Woody Allen's 1977 movie Annie Hall. Allen’s character says of a man he sees: "Oh. There’s the winner of the Truman Capote lookalike Contest."

ACHIEVEMENTS Capote's major achievements include his innovative contributions to the non-fiction novel genre, particularly with In Cold Blood. He received several literary awards and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. His works remain influential and are studied in literary circles worldwide.