Truman Capote, originally named Truman Streckfus Persons, was born in 1924 in New Orleans and had a nomadic childhood, residing in Alabama, New York, and Connecticut, at times accompanied by his mother, Lillie Mae Faulk. His foray into the literary world commenced with his employment at the New Yorker, paving the way for his illustrious career as a renowned author, socialite, and companion to the affluent and famous.
A pivotal episode in his life, soon to be depicted in a production, revolves around his well-known fallout with a clique of high-society women who had embraced him. However, Capote’s life was more multifaceted than this infamous altercation. Here, we delve into his life through a visual retrospective.
1948
Following initial triumphs in short story writing, Capote released his debut book, Other Voices, Other Rooms, in 1948. This semi-autobiographical novel, depicting a young man’s upbringing in the South, resonated with readers and secured a nine-week stint on the New York Times bestseller list.
1953
In the 1950s, Capote, captured here during a visit to Portofino, Italy, diversified his portfolio by venturing into stage and screen writing. The year 1953 saw the release of Beat the Devil, a film co-scripted with John Huston, as well as his engagement with projects like In Cold Blood inspired by his travels. Reflecting on Capote’s attachment to New York, biographer Gerald Clarke remarked, “New York was a kind of addiction,” prompting him to seek alternative environments for his writing pursuits.
1955
By the mid-1950s, Capote, depicted dancing with Marilyn Monroe at New York City’s El Morocco nightclub, had established himself through novels, short stories, plays, and films. The previous year marked the premiere of his inaugural Broadway musical, House of Flowers, further solidifying his presence in literary and cultural spheres. Renowned for his social connections, often referred to as his “Swans,” Capote’s Rolodex rivaled his literary acclaim, earning him the moniker of being “particularly attractive to the gilded people” by the New York Times.
C. 1957
In this image, Capote is accompanied by his friends Babe Paley (right) and Contessa Madina Arrivabene, prominent figures within his “Swans” circle. These relationships granted him access to a world of influence and affluence. However, the publication of “La Côte Basque, 1965” in Esquire in 1975 strained many of these ties, as the story revealed his friends’ confidential information, breaching years of trust.
1958
The year 1958 witnessed the publication of Capote’s novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s, initially featured in Esquire before being included in a collection. This work emerged as one of his most recognized pieces, with speculation rife about the inspiration behind the iconic character Holly Golightly. While many claimed to embody this enigmatic figure, Capote’s biographer noted that “half the women he knew and a few he did not claimed to be the model for his wacky heroine.”
1961
Three years post its publication, Breakfast at Tiffany’s transitioned to the silver screen. The film adaptation, scripted by George Axelrod and directed by Blake Edwards, garnered five Academy Award nominations and left an indelible mark on stylish Manhattanites for generations. Despite its role in Capote’s legacy, he purportedly held reservations about the film and Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly.
1966
Arguably Capote’s most remarkable literary achievement, In Cold Blood was released in 1966. This groundbreaking book, recounting a harrowing mass murder in Kansas, initially serialized in The New Yorker, captivated audiences by blending novelistic techniques with a factual narrative, eventually selling millions of copies.
1966
In November 1966, at the peak of his influence, Capote hosted the extravagant Black and White Ball in New York City, honoring , the publisher of The Washington Post. The event, renowned for its opulence and star-studded guest list featuring luminaries like Mia Farrow, Frank Sinatra, Diana Vreeland, and Andy Warhol, garnered significant attention. For a detailed account of the affair, Deborah Davis’s book offers a comprehensive exploration.
1967
Famous for his quip, “There are two things you never turn down: sex and appearing on television,” Capote embraced television appearances, exemplified by his interview with Barbara Walters in 1967. This year also marked the cinematic adaptation of In Cold Blood and his Emmy Award win for the TV movie A Christmas Memory, solidifying his presence in both literary and visual media.
1968
In this snapshot from Cannes 1968, Capote anticipates the screening of his film Trilogy, an adaptation of A Christmas Memory, at the renowned film festival, which unfortunately faced cancellation due to civil unrest in France.
1968
Pictured alongside —an American princess, one of his esteemed “Swans,” and Jackie Kennedy’s sister—Capote shared a close bond with her. Their collaboration extended to his penning of the screenplay for her film Laura. However, the publication of “La Côte Basque, 1965” in Esquire in 1975 strained their relationship, along with many others within his social circle.
1970
While Capote is commonly associated with the American South and New York City, he also frequented California. Following the release of In Cold Blood, he acquired a residence in (depicted here with his housekeeper, Myrtle Bennett), a favored retreat for Hollywood stars and industry insiders.
1971
Captured with a cat and a dog near his Sagaponack residence in Long Island, Capote likened the locale to “Kansas with a sea breeze.” Reportedly sharing the property with his longtime partner Jack Dunphy, their ashes were purportedly scattered in a pond on the premises post their demise.
1973
In 1973, Capote visited San Quentin prison for an interview with inmate Bobby Beausoleil, a convicted murderer. Known for his prison interviews, Capote later documented this encounter, although Beausoleil contested the portrayal of their discussion.
1973
By the 1970s, Capote’s fame transcended literary and societal realms, evident in his cameo on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour in 1973.
1976
Transitioning from writing to acting, Capote assumed a leading role in the Neil Simon-penned parody Murder by Death in 1976, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his performance alongside stars like Maggie Smith and Peter Falk.
1977
Following his exclusion from New York’s elite dining establishments, Capote found solace in cafe society, notably frequenting Studio 54—an environment blending high society with celebrity and urban grit. Pictured here with the club’s co-owner Steve Rubell, Capote seemed to seamlessly integrate into this vibrant scene.
1978
Despite his estrangement from New York society, Capote maintained a close relationship with C.Z. Guest, as depicted in this image from 1978.
1979
At a celebration commemorating the 10th anniversary of Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine, Capote is seen alongside the artist. Their friendship and professional collaboration, including Capote’s contributions to Interview, underscored their intertwined legacies, epitomizing a mutually beneficial relationship.
1985
Capote passed away in 1984 at the Bel Air residence of his friend Joanne Carson, portrayed here donning his hat. Subsequently, Carson, who retained some of his possessions—subject to multiple thefts and eventual sale—auctioned off a portion of his belongings a year later.