Clare Boothe Luce
Full Name and Common Aliases
Clare Boothe Luce was a renowned American playwright, journalist, ambassador, and politician. She is also known as Clare Boothe Brokaw.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 10, 1903, in New York City, United States; passed away on October 9, 1987, at the age of 84.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Professions: Playwright, journalist, ambassador, politician
Clare Boothe Luce was a multifaceted individual who made significant contributions to various fields. Her expertise and accomplishments spanned writing, politics, and international diplomacy.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in New York City, Clare Boothe Luce was exposed to the vibrant world of theater and literature from an early age. She attended the Brearley School and later enrolled at DePauw University, but dropped out without completing her degree. In 1923, she married John F. F. "Johnny" Langel (later changed his name to Brokaw), with whom she had two sons.
Major Accomplishments
Clare Boothe Luce's writing career was marked by numerous successes:
She wrote several plays that premiered on Broadway, including The Women (1936) and Kiss the Boys Goodbye (1937).
Her journalism pursuits led to positions as a war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II.
Luce served in various roles within the Republican Party, including as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1943-1947 and Ambassador to Italy from 1953-1956.Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions by Clare Boothe Luce include:
The Women: This play was a groundbreaking work that exposed the lives of wealthy New York City women, shedding light on their struggles with identity and relationships.
Kiss the Boys Goodbye: The play explored themes of love, marriage, and personal growth, showcasing Luce's ability to craft relatable characters and narratives.Impact and Legacy
Clare Boothe Luce left an indelible mark on American society through her writing, politics, and diplomacy:
Her contributions to the world of theater continue to influence playwrights and writers today.
As a politician and ambassador, she demonstrated a commitment to public service, often advocating for women's rights and foreign policy initiatives.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Clare Boothe Luce is widely quoted and remembered due to her:
Innovative Writing Style: Her plays and articles showcased a unique voice that captivated readers and audiences.
Trailblazing Career Path: As one of the first women to serve in Congress and as an ambassador, she paved the way for future generations of women in politics.
Lasting Impact on American Society: Through her work in theater, journalism, and politics, Luce made significant contributions that continue to shape American culture and society.
Quotes by Clare Boothe Luce
Clare Boothe Luce's insights on:
There are no hopeless situations. There are only people who have grown hopeless about them.
A man's home may seem to be his castle on the outside; inside, it is more often his nursery.
The main thing is to get what little happiness there is out of life in this wartorn world because ‘these are the good old days’ now.”
Communism is the opiate of the intellectuals with no cure except as a guillotine might be called a cure for dandruff.
Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, she doesn't have what it takes. They will say, women don't have what it takes.
Lying increases the creative faculties, expands the ego, lessens the friction of social contacts. It is only in lies, wholeheartedly and bravely told, that human nature attains through words and speech the forbearance, the nobility, the romance, the idealism, that -- being what it is -- it falls so short of in fact and in deed.
You know, that’s the only good thing about divorce; you get to sleep with your mother.
I can’t avoid writing. It’s a sort of nervous tic I have developed since I gave up needlepoint.
When a man can’t explain a woman’s actions, the first thing he thinks of is the condition of her uterus.