Walter Winchell

Walter Winchell (April 7 1897 – February 20, 1972), an American newspaper and radio commentator, invented the gossip column at the New York Evening Graphic. He broke the journalistic taboo against exposing the private lives of public figures, permanently altering the shape of journalism and celebrity.

Portrayals in the Media

Not surprisingly, given his importance to the era, shows set in the American entertainment world of the 30s, 40s, or 50s often feature Walter Winchell. He has been played by by Joseph Bologna in Citizen Cohn (1992) (TV), by Joey Forman in The Scarlett O'Hara War (1980) (TV), by Craig T. Nelson in The Josephine Baker Story (1991) (TV), by Michael Townsend Wright in The Rat Pack (1998) (TV) and by Mark Zimmerman in Dash and Lilly (1999) (TV). Although the lead characters of Okay, America and Sweet Smell of Success are not named "Walter Winchell" they are clearly based on him. Indeed, Winchell was originally scheduled to play the lead in Okay, America.

Related Topics:
Joseph Bologna - Joey Forman - Craig T. Nelson - Michael Townsend Wright - Mark Zimmerman - Sweet Smell of Success

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Stanley Tucci briefly brought Winchell back into the public consciousness in 1998, playing the titular role in the made-for-cable biopic Winchell on HBO. Winchell is also an important character in the bestselling novel The Plot Against America by Philip Roth.

Related Topics:
Stanley Tucci - Biopic - HBO - The Plot Against America - Philip Roth

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