Who Is Larry McMurtry? Age, Biography and Wiki
Larry McMurtry was born on June 3, 1936, and sadly passed away on March 25, 2021. As of 2025, McMurtry's legacy continues to influence literature and film, earning him a revered place in American cultural history. He was renowned for his compelling storytelling, winning several prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for his novel Lonesome Dove. His bibliography boasts an impressive range of novels, essays, and screenplays, showcasing his deep connection to Texas and the American West.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 3, 1936 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | Archer City, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 25 March, 2021 |
| Died Place | Tucson, Arizona, U.S. |
Popularity
Larry McMurtry's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements, including height and weight, were not widely publicized, McMurtry was known to have a distinctive look. His presence reflected the ruggedness of his Texas roots, with a demeanor that resonated with the authenticity of the characters he crafted.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status (Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Husband/Wife)
Larry McMurtry was married three times. His first marriage to Jo Ball was from 1959 to 1966, followed by his marriage to actress and writer Diana Ossana in 1973, which lasted until 1981. In 1988, he married his third wife, Faye Mallette. McMurtry had three children from these relationships. There is no information regarding a boyfriend or girlfriend at the time of his passing, but his family and relationships played a significant role in his life and works.
He grew up on his parents' ranch outside Archer City, Texas. The city was the model for the town of Thalia which is a setting for much of his fiction. He earned a BA from the University of North Texas in 1958 and an MA from Rice University in 1960.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Larry McMurtry's net worth was estimated to be around $20 million. His earnings came from his successful novels, adaptations of his works into films, and his significant contributions to television and theater. McMurtry’s noteworthy career and the popularity of his stories ensured a stable financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Larry McMurtry had a prolific career as a novelist, screenwriter, and bibliophile. His literary works often depicted the complexities of American life and the struggles inherent in the pursuit of identity and belonging. Notable works include Terms of Endearment, which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film, and The Last Picture Show.
Beyond writing, McMurtry was a co-owner of a famous bookshop in Archer City, Texas, which served as a haven for book lovers. His ventures into film and television screens showcased his diverse skills, with many of his stories being brought to life on the big screen.
Social Network
Though social media was not prominently part of Larry McMurtry’s time, his legacy is celebrated across various platforms. Fans continue to honor his work on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, discussing his profound impact on literature and film. Various fan pages and literary communities ensure that his spirit lives on in discussions about American literature.
Tracy Daugherty's 2023 biography of McMurtry quotes critic Dave Hickey: "Larry is a writer, and it's kind of like being a critter. If you leave a cow alone, he'll eat grass. If you leave Larry alone, he'll write books. When he's in public, he may say hello and goodbye, but otherwise he is just resting, getting ready to go write."
Education
McMurtry grew up in Texas, where his love for storytelling first took root. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and later earned his MFA from Rice University. His education played a crucial role in shaping his narrative voice and understanding of American culture and history, profoundly influencing his writing style and thematic choices in his works.
During the 1960–1961 academic year, McMurtry was a Wallace Stegner Fellow at the Stanford University Creative Writing Center, where he studied the craft of fiction under Frank O'Connor and Malcolm Cowley, alongside other aspiring writers, including Wendell Berry, Ken Kesey, Peter S. Beagle and Gurney Norman. (Wallace Stegner was on sabbatical in Europe during McMurtry's fellowship year. )
