Who Is Richard Wright (author)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Richard Wright was born on September 4, 1908, and passed away on November 28, 1960, making him 52 years old at the time of his death. An influential figure in American literature, Wright is best known for his works highlighting the struggles of African Americans in a racially divided society. His most notable works include "Native Son" and "Black Boy," both of which explore themes of identity, oppression, and social injustice. His legacy continues to resonate, and he remains a critical figure in discussions about race and literature.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 4, 1908 |
| Age | 52 Years |
| Birth Place | Plantation, Roxie, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 28 November, 1960 |
| Died Place | Paris, France |
Popularity
Richard Wright (author)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though specific physical statistics are not extensively documented for Richard Wright, he is often described as having a commanding presence. His height was approximately 6 feet (183 cm), and while his weight fluctuated throughout his life, he was generally of average build. In modern discussions, the focus on his body stats is overshadowed by the impact of his literary contributions.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Richard Wright was married to Ellen Wright from 1939 until his death in 1960. The couple had three children together, and his family life often served as a backdrop to his writing journey. Although there are not many public records regarding his personal relationships outside of marriage, it is clear that his family played an essential role in his life.
He was the son of Nathan Wright, a sharecropper, and Ella (Wilson), a schoolteacher. His parents were born free after the Civil War; both sets of his grandparents had been born into slavery and freed as a result of the war. Each of his grandfathers had taken part in the U.S.
Civil War and gained freedom through service: his paternal grandfather, Nathan Wright, had served in the 28th United States Colored Troops; his maternal grandfather, Richard Wilson, escaped from slavery in the South to serve in the U.S. Navy as a Landsman in April 1865.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Richard Wright's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. Today, adjusted for inflation and considering his ongoing influence in literature, his estate could be valued much higher. His works continue to sell, generating royalties and maintaining a legacy that is financially significant. While exact figures for his modern earnings are speculative, it is clear that his literary contributions have made a lasting impact on the industry.
Career, Business, and Investments
Richard Wright began his writing career in the 1930s, contributing to various publications and aligning himself with the Communist Party, which deeply influenced his perspectives on race and class. His transition to novel writing proved monumental, with "Native Son" becoming a bestseller and a critical piece of American literature. Wright also wrote poetry, essays, and even plays, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
Though not heavily involved in business or investments in the traditional sense, Wright's literary estate, including rights to his works, has undoubtedly experienced growth over the decades, contributing to a thriving posthumous legacy.
In 1923, after excelling in grade school and junior high, Wright earned the position of class valedictorian of Smith Robertson Junior High School from which he graduated in May 1925. He was assigned to write a speech to be delivered at graduation in a public auditorium.
Before graduation day, he was called to the principal's office, where the principal gave him a prepared speech to present in place of his own.
Richard challenged the principal, saying: "[T]he people are coming to hear the students, and I won't make a speech that you've written." The principal threatened him, suggesting that Richard might not be allowed to graduate if he persisted, despite his having passed all the examinations.
He also tried to entice Richard with an opportunity to become a teacher. Determined not to be called an Uncle Tom, Richard refused to deliver the principal's address, written to avoid offending the white school district officials. He was able to convince everyone to allow him to read the words he had written himself.
Social Network
In today's digital age, Richard Wright would undoubtedly have an active social media presence. Fans of his work engage in discussions on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, sharing insights about his writings and their impact. Various literary websites and forums continue to celebrate his contributions to literature, attracting new readers and scholars alike.
At the age of 15, while in eighth grade, Wright published his first story, "The Voodoo of Hell's Half-Acre", in the local Black newspaper Southern Register. No copies survive. In Chapter 7 of Black Boy, he described the story as about a villain who sought a widow's home.
Education
Wright had a modest educational background, attending various schools in the segregated South. His formal education ended when he dropped out of high school to support his family. However, he was an avid reader and self-taught writer, drawing knowledge from a plethora of literary influences. His educational journey, marked by challenges, did not hinder his success; instead, it shaped his distinctive voice and perspective.
In conclusion, Richard Wright remains an important figure in literature, and even in 2025, his life story, works, and ideas continue to inspire new generations. His explorations of race, identity, and humanity are as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.
In September that year, Wright registered for mathematics, English, and history courses at the new Lanier High School, constructed for black students in Jackson—the state's schools were segregated under its Jim Crow laws—but he had to stop attending classes after a few weeks of irregular attendance because he needed to earn money to support his family.
