Who Is Christopher Isherwood? Age, Biography and Wiki
Christopher Isherwood was born on August 26, 1904, making him 121 years old in 2025. He was an influential English-American novelist known for his vivid portrayals of life in early 20th-century Europe and America. Isherwood's works, including "Goodbye to Berlin," have left a lasting imprint on literature, showcasing his keen observations of society and identity. His writing not only captured the zeitgeist of his era but also provided a deep insight into the complexities of human relationships and sexuality.
Occupation | Memoirist |
---|---|
Date of Birth | August 26, 1904 |
Age | 81 Years |
Birth Place | High Lane, Cheshire, England |
Horoscope | Virgo |
Country | England |
Date of death | 4 January, 1986 |
Died Place | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Christopher Isherwood's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Christopher Isherwood's height and weight during his lifetime are less documented, he was known to present a refined and well-groomed appearance, which reflected his artistic personality. More importantly, Isherwood's legacy transcends physical attributes, as his intellectual and creative stature made a lasting impact on literature.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Christopher Isherwood's personal life was as rich and complex as his literary works. He was openly gay and had several significant relationships throughout his life. Perhaps the most notable was his long-term partnership with Don Bachardy, a painter, with whom he shared a bond that lasted until Isherwood's death in 1986. Their relationship inspired much of Isherwood's writing, blending personal narrative with broader cultural themes.
In 2025, the legacy of Isherwood's relationships continues to resonate, reminding us of the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in literature and the arts.
Isherwood's father Frank was educated at the University of Cambridge and Sandhurst Military Academy, fought in the Boer War, and was killed in the First World War.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 1986, Christopher Isherwood had achieved a significant level of financial success due to his prolific literary career. While estimates of his net worth vary, it is believed to be in the millions, thanks to royalties from his many books, adaptations, and continued recognition of his work. In 2025, the literary community continues to acknowledge his contributions, ensuring that his works remain both relevant and financially viable through various channels, including film adaptations and literature studies.
Career, Business and Investments
Christopher Isherwood's career was marked by an array of literary talents, ranging from novels and plays to essays and screenwriting. His works have been adapted into various formats, including film and theater, further cementing his status as a literary icon. Notably, his novel "Goodbye to Berlin" inspired the acclaimed musical "Cabaret," underscoring his impact on both literature and popular culture.
Aside from writing, Isherwood also engaged in several artistic endeavors, which may have included investments in collaborative projects with filmmakers and other artists. His influence on both the literary and LGBT communities continues to inspire new generations even today.
During this period, Isherwood returned often to London where he took his first movie-writing job, working with Viennese director Berthold Viertel on the film Little Friend (1934).
He collaborated with Auden on three plays: The Dog Beneath the Skin (1935), The Ascent of F6 (1936), and On the Frontier (1938) – all produced by Robert Medley and Rupert Doone's Group Theatre. He also worked on Lions and Shadows (1938), a fictionalized autobiography of his education — both in and out of school — in the 1920s.
Social Network
While specific details regarding Christopher Isherwood's modern social media presence are non-existent, as he passed away long before the advent of social media platforms, his legacy lives on through the countless groups and pages dedicated to his life and works. His influence can be seen across platforms where literary enthusiasts continue to share insights about his contributions to literature and queer culture.
In March 1929, Isherwood joined Auden in Berlin, where Auden was spending a post-graduate year. His primary motivation for making the trip was the sexual freedom that Weimar-era Berlin offered, as he later wrote: "To Christopher, Berlin meant Boys". The ten-day visit changed Isherwood's life.
He began an affair with a German boy whom he met at a cellar bar called The Cosy Corner, and he was "brought face to face with his tribe" at Magnus Hirschfeld's Institute for Sexual Science. Isherwood visited Berlin again in July and relocated there in November.
Education
Christopher Isherwood was educated at the prestigious Harrow School in London, followed by study at Trinity College, Cambridge. His time at these institutions significantly shaped his worldview and literary voice, allowing him to explore themes of identity, love, and societal norms, which would later feature prominently in his body of work. The education he received provided a strong foundation for his future as a writer and cultural commentator.
At Repton, Isherwood met his lifelong friend Edward Upward, with whom he invented an imaginary English village called Mortmere, as related in his fictional autobiography, Lions and Shadows (1938). He went up to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, as a history scholar, but wrote jokes and limericks on his second-year academic exam and was asked to leave without a degree in 1925.