P. J. O'Rourke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
P. J. O'Rourke
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O'Rourke in 2007
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Patrick Jake O'Rourke
November 14, 1947 Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
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| Died | February 15, 2022 (aged 74) Sharon, New Hampshire, U.S.
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| Children | Elizabeth, Olivia, Edward |
Patrick Jake O'Rourke (born November 14, 1947 – died February 15, 2022) was an American writer and journalist. He was known for his funny and often sharp writing about politics. He wrote 22 books on many different topics, like cars, manners, and money.
O'Rourke started his career writing for National Lampoon. Later, he became the foreign affairs chief for Rolling Stone magazine. He traveled to many distant places to report on events. He also wrote for other well-known publications. These included The Atlantic, Daily Beast, and Wall Street Journal. He was also a regular guest on the NPR radio show Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!.
A guide from 1994, Forbes Media Guide Five Hundred, said that O'Rourke's writing was "delectable reading." It praised his original reporting and humor. He was known for speaking his mind clearly on any subject.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Patrick Jake O'Rourke was born in Toledo, Ohio. His mother, Delphine, was a housewife. His father, Clifford Bronson O'Rourke, sold cars. His family had Irish roots.
He finished high school in Toledo in 1965. He then went to Miami University and earned his first degree in 1969. Later, he got a master's degree in English from Johns Hopkins University. When he was a student, O'Rourke was part of the anti-war movement. But in the 1970s, his political views changed a lot. He became a humorist who focused on libertarian conservatism. This means he believed in less government control and more individual freedom.
Writing Career and Major Works
O'Rourke wrote for several underground magazines early in his career. In 1973, he joined National Lampoon. He even became the editor-in-chief there.
He helped create National Lampoon's Lemmings, a show that helped start the careers of Chevy Chase and Christopher Guest. He also co-wrote National Lampoon's 1964 High School Yearbook. This book inspired the famous comedy movie Animal House.
In 1981, O'Rourke started working as a freelance writer. His articles appeared in magazines like Vanity Fair and Car and Driver. He worked for Rolling Stone until 2001. In the 1990s, he was also known in the UK for appearing in TV ads for British Airways.
Books and Best-Sellers
O'Rourke published more than 20 books. Three of his books became New York Times bestsellers. His book Give War a Chance reached the number one spot on the New York Times Best Seller list. He also wrote popular books like Modern Manners and Holidays in Hell.
He also worked on movie scripts in Hollywood. One of these was Easy Money for actor Rodney Dangerfield.
Political Commentary
O'Rourke was known for his political comments. In 2009, he compared the start of Barack Obama's presidency to the Carter administration. He said it was "the Carter administration in better sweaters."
However, in 2016, he supported Hillary Clinton for president instead of Donald Trump. He said that even though he disagreed with her on "absolutely everything," she was "wrong within normal parameters." This showed his unique and often surprising political views.
Personal Life
P. J. O'Rourke was married twice. From 1990 to 1993, he was married to Amy Lumet. In 1995, he married Tina Mallon. They had three children together: two daughters named Elizabeth and Olivia, and a son named Clifford.
In 2008, O'Rourke shared that he had been diagnosed with rectal cancer. He said he expected a good chance of recovery. P. J. O'Rourke passed away from lung cancer at his home in Sharon, New Hampshire, on February 15, 2022. He was 74 years old.
See also
In Spanish: P. J. O'Rourke para niños
