Alexander Woollcott
Alexander Woollcott was a renowned American drama critic known for his acerbic wit.
Alexander Humphreys Woollcott
Radio Personality
January 19, 1887
Capricorn
January 23, 1943
56
New Jersey
Alexander Woollcott, born on January 19, 1887, in Phalanx, New Jersey, was a distinguished American drama critic, essayist, playwright, editor, actor, and radio personality. He was well-known for his sharp wit and became one of New York’s most prominent drama critics. However, his florid and often vitriolic prose led to a temporary ban from reviewing specific Broadway theater shows. Woollcott’s most famous work is “While Rome Burns,” a collection of essays and articles about contemporary American society. He also inspired the character of Sheridan Whiteside in the play “The Man Who Came to Dinner” by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Among his other notable works are “Shouts and Murmurs” and “The Third Reader.” Woollcott appeared in several films, including “The Bishop’s Wife” and “Since You Went Away.” He passed away on January 23, 1943, in New York City at the age of 56.