Jean Kerr
Jean Kerr
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Jean Kerr was a renowned American author, playwright, and humorist, best known for her witty writing style and biting satire.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 14, 1922, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jean Kerr passed away on January 16, 2003, at the age of 80.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Jean Kerr was an American author, playwright, and humorist. She wrote novels, plays, and essays that showcased her sharp wit and insightful commentary on human nature.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Jean Kerr developed a keen sense of observation and a talent for storytelling from an early age. Her father, Bernard P. Kerr, was an insurance executive, while her mother, Margaret (née O'Connor), was a homemaker. Jean's upbringing instilled in her a love for literature and the arts, which would later shape her writing career.
Kerr attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she began to develop her writing skills and hone her sense of humor. After graduating, she moved to New York City, where she worked as a secretary while pursuing her writing ambitions. Her early experiences in the city's vibrant literary scene had a profound impact on her work, influencing the satire and wit that would become hallmarks of her writing style.
Major Accomplishments
Jean Kerr's most notable accomplishment was her bestselling novel "Please Don't Eat the Shimp," published in 1959. The book's biting satire and humorous portrayal of life as a mother of four earned it widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. However, it was her subsequent play, "Dear Friends" (1964), that cemented her position as one of America's leading comedic writers.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her novels and plays, Jean Kerr was also a prolific essayist and humorist. Her essays appeared regularly in publications such as _The New Yorker_ and _Vogue_, showcasing her ability to craft witty, insightful commentary on everyday life. Some of her most notable works include:
"Please Don't Eat the Shimp" (1959)
"Dear Friends" (1964)
* "Travels with My Mother" (1971)
Impact and Legacy
Jean Kerr's writing had a significant impact on American literature, paving the way for future generations of comedic writers. Her unique blend of satire, wit, and insight into human nature continues to inspire and entertain readers to this day.
Kerr's influence extends beyond her literary contributions; she also helped pave the way for women in the entertainment industry. As one of the first female playwrights to achieve success on Broadway, Kerr broke down barriers and challenged traditional notions of what it meant to be a woman in the arts.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jean Kerr's writing is widely quoted and remembered due to its timeless relevance, humor, and insight into human nature. Her ability to craft witty, biting satire that still resonates with readers today is a testament to her skill as a writer. Whether it's her novels, plays, or essays, Kerr's work continues to captivate audiences, ensuring her place as one of America's most beloved comedic writers.
Quotes by Jean Kerr
As someone pointed out recently, if you can keep your head when all about you is losing theirs, it's just possible you haven't grasped the situation.
When the grandmothers of today hear the word Chippendales, they don't necessarily think of chairs.
I’m tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep. That’s deep enough. What do you want, an adorable pancreas?
I'm tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin deep. That's deep enough. What do you want--and adorable pancreas?
I feel about airplanes the way I feel about diets. It seems to me they are wonderful things for other people to go on.
I have two trifling ambitions in the theater: to make a lot of people laugh and to make a lot of money.
It's easier to write about what you know. I wouldn't write about a Wall Street broker, for example.
