Helen Gurley Brown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helen Gurley Brown
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Brown in 1996
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| Born |
Helen Marie Gurley
February 18, 1922 Green Forest, Arkansas, U.S.
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| Died | August 13, 2012 (aged 90) New York City, U.S.
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| Occupation | International Editor, Cosmopolitan |
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Notable credit(s)
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Editor-in-chief, Cosmopolitan |
| Title | International Editor, Cosmopolitan; Former editor-in-chief, U.S. Cosmopolitan |
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David Brown
(m. 1959; |
Helen Gurley Brown (born Helen Marie Gurley; February 18, 1922 – August 13, 2012) was an American author, publisher, and businesswoman. She was best known as the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine for 32 years. She helped shape the magazine into a guide for modern, independent women.
Contents
Early Life and Career Start
Helen Marie Gurley was born on February 18, 1922, in Green Forest, Arkansas. Her father was involved in state government. When she was young, her family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. Sadly, her father passed away in 1932.
In 1937, Helen, her older sister Mary, and their mother moved to Los Angeles, California. Helen went to John H. Francis Polytechnic High School. After graduating, she attended Woodbury Business College and finished in 1941.
Helen started her career working as a secretary at different talent agencies. Later, she joined the advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding. Her bosses quickly noticed her excellent writing skills. She moved into the copywriting department. Soon, she became one of the highest-paid advertising writers in the United States. In 1959, she married David Brown, who later became a famous film producer.
Becoming a Publishing Icon
The Book and the Magazine
In 1962, Helen Gurley Brown wrote a book called ... and the Single Girl. This book became a huge bestseller and was published in 28 countries. It stayed on the bestseller lists for over a year. The book even inspired a movie in 1964.
In 1965, Helen took over as the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine. At that time, Cosmopolitan was a serious literary magazine. Helen completely changed it. She turned it into a magazine for modern, single, and career-focused women. She wanted to give women role models and inspire them. Because of her work, stylish and independent women were sometimes called "Cosmo Girls."
Helen Gurley Brown led Cosmopolitan for 32 years. She helped it become one of the most popular women's magazines worldwide. It is now sold in over 100 countries.
Later Years at Cosmopolitan
In 1997, Helen stepped down as the U.S. editor of Cosmopolitan. However, she continued to work for Hearst publishing. She became the international editor for all 59 international editions of Cosmo. She held this role until her death in 2012.
In 2008, Slate magazine named Helen Gurley Brown one of the most powerful Americans over the age of 80.
Personal Life and Legacy
Helen Gurley Brown passed away on August 13, 2012, at the age of 90. Her husband, David Brown, had passed away in 2010. They were buried together in Osage, Arkansas.
Many people remembered Helen for her impact. Hearst Publications said she was a "true pioneer for women in journalism." New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg stated that she "reshaped not only the entire media industry, but the nation's culture." She was known for her famous quote: "Good girls go to heaven. Bad girls go everywhere."
Supporting Education and Technology
Before her death, Helen Gurley Brown and her husband started the Helen Gurley Brown Trust. This trust continues to support important causes.
One major project is the Brown Institute for Media Innovation. This institute is located at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and Stanford's Engineering School. They donated $38 million to these schools. The goal is to develop journalism using new technologies.
The trust also donates money to help children in New York City. It supports advancements in education and technology. For example, $15 million was given to the New York Public Library. Another $7.5 million went to the American Museum of Natural History.
These donations have created new media programs. They also help young people who are at risk. The trust works to increase the number of women and minority groups in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
Helen Gurley Brown also funded a special fellowship. It helps talented young women move from college into their careers.
Awards and Recognition
Helen Gurley Brown received many awards for her work:
- 1985: Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications
- 1995: Henry Johnson Fisher Award from the Magazine Publishers of America
- 1996: American Society of Magazine Editors' Hall of Fame Award
- 1998: Editor of the Year by Advertising Age magazine
- 2013 (after her death): Woman of Achievement Award from the Women's Project Theater
Works by Helen Gurley Brown
- ... and the Single Girl (1962)
- ... and the Office (1965)
- Outrageous Opinions of Helen Gurley Brown (1967)
- Helen Gurley Brown's Single Girl's Cookbook (1969)
- ... and the New Single Girl (1970)
- Having It All (1982)
- The Late Show: A Semi Wild but Practical Guide for Women Over 50 (1993)
- The Writer's Rules: The Power of Positive Prose—How to Create It and Get It Published (1998)
- I'm Wild Again: Snippets from My Life and a Few Brazen Thoughts (2000)
See also
In Spanish: Helen Gurley Brown para niños
