Alexander Woollcott, American actor, playwright, and critic (d. 1943)

Alexander Humphreys Woollcott (January 19, 1887 – January 23, 1943) was a truly iconic American cultural figure, celebrated for his sharp wit, incisive commentary, and distinctive personality. His multifaceted career spanned journalism, theatre, and radio, making him one of the most recognizable and influential voices of his era.

Key Facets of Alexander Woollcott's Career and Influence

Renowned Drama Critic and Literary Commentator

Woollcott rose to prominence as a formidable drama critic, initially for The New York Times and later becoming a pivotal figure for the newly established The New Yorker magazine during its formative years. His reviews were not merely critiques; they were often theatrical performances in themselves, renowned for their biting sarcasm, profound insights, and the power to significantly impact a show's success on Broadway. He cultivated a public persona as an opinionated, often curmudgeonly, but undeniably brilliant arbiter of taste, whose pronouncements could make or break a theatrical production.

Central Figure of the Algonquin Round Table

He was a central and vocal member of the legendary Algonquin Round Table, a celebrated group of prominent New York writers, critics, actors, and wits who met daily for lunch at the Algonquin Hotel throughout the 1920s. This esteemed collective, which included luminaries such as Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, George S. Kaufman, and Edna Ferber, engaged in spirited banter, intellectual discussions, and witty exchanges that profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of the Roaring Twenties. Woollcott's larger-than-life personality and famously sharp tongue often dominated these legendary gatherings.

Occasional Actor and Playwright

While primarily known for his critical work, Woollcott also ventured onto the stage himself. He appeared in several plays, often in roles that allowed him to embody aspects of his own flamboyant and theatrical persona. His brief forays into playwriting further demonstrated his deep immersion in, and understanding of, the theatrical world he so keenly observed and critiqued.

Pioneering Radio Personality: "The Town Crier"

Woollcott achieved widespread national fame through the nascent medium of radio. From 1929 until his death in 1943, he hosted his immensely popular show, "The Town Crier," which showcased his unique storytelling ability, conversational style, and distinctive voice. His weekly broadcasts reached millions of American households, transforming him into a bona fide national celebrity and extending his influence far beyond the literary and theatrical elite, making him a household name across the country.

Alexander Woollcott as a Muse: Fictional Inspirations

Woollcott's distinct personality, sharp intellect, and formidable public persona were so vivid and idiosyncratic that he became the direct inspiration for several memorable fictional characters, leaving an indelible mark on both literature and cinema.

Sheridan Whiteside in The Man Who Came to Dinner (1939)

Undoubtedly the most famous and direct fictional portrayal inspired by Woollcott is Sheridan Whiteside, the imperious, cantankerous, and wildly amusing main character in the highly successful 1939 Broadway play The Man Who Came to Dinner. This enduring comedy was penned by his close friends George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The play, later adapted into a classic 1942 film starring Monty Woolley in the iconic role, was directly conceived after Woollcott allegedly broke his hip at Kaufman's home and, during his convalescence, proved to be an incredibly demanding and dictatorial guest. Whiteside's sharp wit, demanding nature, and imposing physical presence are unmistakable caricatures of Woollcott's own well-known traits, including his corpulence, love of celebrity, and penchant for holding court.

Waldo Lydecker in Laura (1942 book, 1944 film)

Woollcott also served as a significant inspiration for the sophisticated yet cynical Waldo Lydecker, a central character in Vera Caspary's classic 1942 mystery novel Laura. This acclaimed book was subsequently adapted into the iconic 1944 film noir, with Clifton Webb delivering a chilling and memorable performance as Lydecker. Lydecker, an effete and erudite newspaper columnist and radio personality, exhibits a similar intellectual snobbery, a penchant for cruel but witty commentary, and a theatrical flair that strongly echoed Woollcott's widely recognized public image.

Nero Wolfe in Rex Stout's Mystery Novels (Beginning 1934)

Curiously, Woollcott himself was convinced he was the real-life inspiration for Nero Wolfe, the brilliant, eccentric, reclusive, and gourmandizing detective created by his friend, the acclaimed mystery writer Rex Stout. Wolfe, known for his vast intellect, sedentary lifestyle, love of fine food, extensive orchid collection, and utter disdain for physical exertion or the outside world, presented a fascinating parallel to Woollcott's own known eccentricities. However, Stout consistently and publicly denied this claim, possibly to maintain the artistic independence of his beloved character or to emphasize that Wolfe was a composite rather than a direct, singular portrait of any one individual.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alexander Woollcott

• Who was Alexander Woollcott?

  Alexander Woollcott was a prominent American drama critic, commentator for The New Yorker magazine, a leading member of the Algonquin Round Table, and a highly popular radio personality who hosted "The Town Crier" show.

• What made Alexander Woollcott famous?

  He was famous for his sharp wit, incisive and often biting literary and theatre criticism, his larger-than-life personality, and his widespread popularity as a radio broadcaster.

• Which fictional characters were inspired by Alexander Woollcott?

  Woollcott was the primary inspiration for Sheridan Whiteside in the play and film The Man Who Came to Dinner, and a significant inspiration for Waldo Lydecker in the novel and film Laura. He also believed he inspired Rex Stout's detective Nero Wolfe, though Stout denied this.

• What was the Algonquin Round Table?

  The Algonquin Round Table was a celebrated group of influential New York writers, critics, and wits who met daily for lunch at the Algonquin Hotel in the 1920s, known for their intellectual banter and shaping the cultural landscape of the era.

• What was "The Town Crier" radio show?

  "The Town Crier" was Alexander Woollcott's highly popular radio show, broadcast from 1929 to 1943, where he shared stories and commentary, reaching millions of listeners across America.