MR
Mark Russell
68quotes
Mark Russell
Full Name and Common Aliases
Mark Russell is a renowned American author, editor, and activist best known for his work on the satirical magazine The National Lampoon.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 23, 1946, in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, Mark Russell passed away on December 4, 2023, at the age of 77.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Mark Russell was an American author, editor, and activist who made his mark on the literary world through his work as a satirist, humorist, and social commentator. He is widely recognized for his biting wit, clever satire, and insightful commentary on politics and social issues.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Minnesota, Russell developed an interest in writing at an early age. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he began to hone his skills as a writer and editor. After college, Russell moved to New York City to pursue a career in writing, eventually landing a job with The National Lampoon, a magazine that would become synonymous with irreverent humor and satire.
Major Accomplishments
During his time at The National Lampoon, Mark Russell became a key contributor to the magazine's success. He wrote numerous articles, editorials, and satirical pieces that tackled topics such as politics, social issues, and popular culture. Russell's work was known for its biting wit, clever wordplay, and insightful commentary on the human condition.
Notable Works or Actions
Mark Russell's most notable works include his satirical book "The Laughter of Children", which critiqued American society through humor and satire. He also wrote several articles and editorials for The National Lampoon that tackled topics such as racism, sexism, and politics.
Impact and Legacy
Mark Russell's impact on the literary world cannot be overstated. His work with The National Lampoon helped shape the magazine into a cultural institution, known for its irreverent humor and biting satire. Through his writing, Russell was able to use humor as a tool for social commentary, shedding light on issues that many were afraid to discuss.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mark Russell is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive wit, clever satire, and insightful commentary on politics and social issues. His work continues to influence writers and comedians today, and his legacy as a master of satire remains unparalleled. Through his writing, Russell was able to challenge societal norms and conventions, using humor as a powerful tool for social change.
As a testament to his enduring impact, Mark Russell's quotes continue to be widely referenced and cited in discussions on politics, social issues, and popular culture. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of satire and humor in shaping public discourse and challenging societal norms.
Quotes by Mark Russell

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Humor is very very risky, particularly for a candidate, unless he’s been in so long that it just doesn’t matter, and he’s not running for president. But it’s just that people are so sensitive and so touchy, and you’re just going to upset somebody without ever realizing it.

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I think even the characters that are fundamentally evil and wrong, I want people to really love them. I think that’s important to writing believable characters. They don’t have to be likable but they have to be loved, at least by the author.

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I think you can’t write with anger. I think it always has to be with a wink. There always has to be an element of hope in what you write. Otherwise you’re just getting mad and it’s not going to be fun for anybody.

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The thing that you’re faulted on today is not that you are too tough, or not that you aren’t careful. It’s that you might have been too soft. People want that red meat now because you have to keep up with the mood and the mood today is harsh. It really is.

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You know that a given in life in human nature, is that at a sporting event, a baseball game, a football game, you never introduce a politician, is because he’ll be booed. I don’t care if he’s the most beloved person in the world, its part of the game.

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If the audience doesn’t like it, usually they’re just silent. But they’ve never all walked out at once.
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