Carroll Righter

Carroll Righter, born February 2, 1900, was an American astrologer, author, and newspaper columnist who embraced the moniker "the gregarious Aquarius." He began his career advising Hollywood figures in 1938 and later established a widely syndicated daily advice column that reached 166 newspapers globally. Prior to his astrological pursuits, Righter practiced law in Philadelphia. His work gained significant attention, notably being referenced in Theodor W. Adorno's 1957 essay "The Stars down to Earth," which analyzed horoscopes, including Righter's.

During the presidency of Ronald Reagan, Righter was reportedly consulted by Nancy Reagan to help influence the president's schedule, a practice that gained prominence following a studio set accident involving Marlene Dietrich. Righter had apparently warned Dietrich to avoid a particular day due to potential harm, and when she sustained an injury despite his advice, other celebrities began seeking his counsel. His client list included notable figures such as Arlene Dahl, Rhonda Fleming, and Grace Kelly. Robert Mitchum also worked as a ghostwriter for Righter in his younger years. Righter passed away on April 30, 1988, at the age of 88 in Santa Monica, California.

Carroll Righter established himself as a prominent astrologer starting in 1938, focusing his practice on Hollywood personalities. His reputation grew, leading him to author a syndicated daily advice column that achieved international reach across 166 newspapers. Righter's fame was amplified by anecdotes, such as his alleged warning to Marlene Dietrich to avoid a specific day at a studio due to potential injury. When Dietrich subsequently broke her ankle, word of Righter's foresight drew more celebrities to seek his guidance. His clientele included many well-known figures from the entertainment industry, such as Arlene Dahl, Rhonda Fleming, Jane Withers, Hildegard Knef, Joan Fontaine, and Grace Kelly. At one point, Robert Mitchum contributed as a ghostwriter for Righter.

Beyond his celebrity consultations, Carroll Righter's influence extended to a broader public through his widely distributed daily advice column. His horoscopes were subjects of academic study, notably analyzed by Theodor W. Adorno in his 1957 essay "The Stars down to Earth." Righter was also reputedly connected to political circles; according to former White House Chief of Staff Donald T. Regan, Nancy Reagan consulted astrologers, including potentially Righter, to assist in scheduling President Ronald Reagan's activities. While Ronald Reagan himself expressed a nuanced view on astrology, acknowledging he didn't fully understand it and didn't want to offend believers, Righter's name appeared in Reagan's 1965 autobiography. When questioned in 1985 about consulting with Reagan, Righter offered a "No comment."

“No comment.”