A. E. Hotchner facts for kids

Aaron Edward Hotchner (June 28, 1917 – February 15, 2020) was an American writer. He wrote novels, plays, and biographies. He also wrote many TV shows. Hotchner was known for his books about famous people like Doris Day and Ernest Hemingway. He also helped start the charity food company Newman's Own with actor Paul Newman.

Early Life and War Service

Hotchner was born in St. Louis, Missouri. His family was Jewish. His father was a jeweler and his mother worked for a synagogue. He went to Soldan High School.

In 1940, he finished college at Washington University in St. Louis. He earned degrees in history and law. He worked as a lawyer for a short time in St. Louis. This was in 1941 and 1942.

The United States entered World War II after the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Hotchner joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. He served as a journalist until 1945. He reached the rank of major. After the war, he decided to become a writer instead of a lawyer.

Writing Career

Hotchner became a successful writer. He wrote many different kinds of stories. In 1948, he met the famous writer Ernest Hemingway. They became close friends. Hotchner wrote a book about Hemingway called Papa Hemingway in 1966.

He also wrote TV shows in the 1950s and 1960s. Some of these were based on Hemingway's stories. Hotchner also wrote a biography of actress Doris Day. It was called Doris Day: Her Own Story and came out in 1975.

His own book, King of the Hill, became a movie in 1993. The movie was directed by Steven Soderbergh. This book was about Hotchner's own childhood. It tells the story of a boy trying to survive alone in a hotel in St. Louis. This happened during the Great Depression. His mother was in a hospital for a long time. His younger brother went to live with an uncle. His father was a traveling salesman. The boy was not sure when his father would return.

Hotchner also wrote plays for the theater. His play The White House was on Broadway in 1964. It starred Helen Hayes. She played many different First Ladies from American history. The play was even performed at the White House in 1996.

In 1993, he wrote a musical comedy called Welcome to the Club. He wrote it with composer Cy Coleman. Hotchner also wrote other plays and books. These included A Short Happy Life and The Hemingway Hero.

Helping Others and Later Life

In 1982, Hotchner started a company with his friend, actor Paul Newman. They called it Newman's Own. This company sells food products. All the money they make from these products goes to charities. This means it helps people in need.

In 1988, Hotchner and Newman started something special. They created the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. This is a summer camp for children who are very sick. It is in Ashford, Connecticut. This first camp grew into a bigger network. Now there are many Hole in the Wall Camps around the world. They help over 130,000 children and families. This is part of the SeriousFun Children's Network.

Hotchner was honored with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. He lived in Westport, Connecticut, with his wife, Virginia Kiser. He loved birds and had many peacocks outside his home. He enjoyed teaching children about his birds. Hotchner passed away on February 15, 2020. He was 102 years old.

Awards and Honors

• Distinguished Alumni Award, Washington University School of Law, 1992.
• Honorary D.L., Washington University in St. Louis, 1993.

See also

In Spanish: A. E. Hotchner para niños