Beatrice Lydecker

Alexander Woollcott was a significant American figure in early 20th-century media, known for his sharp wit and influential commentary. He began his career as a drama critic for major New York newspapers, including The New York Times and the New York Herald. His incisive and often biting reviews earned him a reputation, and he was a key member of the famed Algonquin Round Table, a group of New York writers and artists.

Woollcott also achieved widespread recognition as a radio personality, hosting shows like "The Town Crier," where his unique style and anecdotes captivated audiences. He was a prolific writer, contributing columns like "Shouts and Murmurs" to The New Yorker and publishing a collection of his writings titled "While Rome Burns." His influence extended to popular culture, as he was the inspiration for characters in well-known works like the play "The Man Who Came to Dinner" and the novel "Laura." Despite his success, Woollcott maintained a self-deprecating view of his own writing.

Born in 1887, Alexander Woollcott's early life was marked by his family's unconventional living situation. They resided in an expansive, old house in Colts Neck, New Jersey, formerly a communal experiment. His family later relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where his childhood experiences, including early theatrical performances and interactions with journalists, significantly shaped his future path. A precocious reader, guided by a dedicated teacher, Woollcott consumed works by authors like Louisa May Alcott and Charles Dickens. This formative period in Kansas City instilled in him a deep interest in literature and theater, setting the stage for his eventual career.

Woollcott launched his journalism career at The New York Times in 1909. By 1914, he became the drama critic, a role he held until 1922, with an interruption for World War I service. During the war, he contributed to "Stars and Stripes," the official newspaper for American troops, working alongside future "The New Yorker" founder Harold Ross. Post-war, he moved between newspapers, including The New York Herald and The World. His critical style, often described as florid and vitriolic, sometimes led to him being barred from reviewing certain Broadway shows. He also engaged in legal battles over these restrictions, though unsuccessfully. His column "Shouts and Murmurs" for The New Yorker from 1929 to 1934 further cemented his critical voice.

Transitioning to radio, Woollcott became a popular personality. Beginning in 1929, he reviewed books on CBS Radio, eventually hosting "The Town Crier." His radio show, known for its distinctive bell-ringing opening and Woollcott's literary commentary mixed with personal anecdotes, garnered significant attention. He adeptly used this platform to promote his own work, contributing to the bestseller status of his book "While Rome Burns." Woollcott's sharp observations and memorable quips, such as his description of Los Angeles as 'Seven suburbs in search of a city,' made him one of the most quoted individuals of his era. His distinctive persona and critical acumen profoundly influenced American cultural discourse.

Woollcott's personality and life served as the basis for notable fictional characters. He was the inspiration for Sheridan Whiteside in the play "The Man Who Came to Dinner" and Waldo Lydecker in the novel "Laura." He also believed he inspired Rex Stout's detective Nero Wolfe, a claim Stout disputed. Woollcott was involved in various creative pursuits beyond criticism, including co-writing plays and acting. He even appeared in film cameos and was caricatured in Warner Brothers cartoons. Towards the end of his life, he semi-retired to his island in Vermont, reflecting on his career with a characteristic blend of self-awareness and wit.

“Seven suburbs in search of a city”

“He looks like a dishonest Abe Lincoln.”

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with Oscar Levant that a miracle can't fix.”

“Hello, Repulsive.”

“muffins filled with pus.”