William Saroyan
- Born:
- August 31, 1908, Fresno, California, USA
- Died:
- May 18, 1981, Fresno, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author, Playwright, Novelist, Short Story Writer
Early Life and Education
- Saroyan was born to Armenian immigrants Armenak and Takoohi Saroyan.
- His father, Armenak, was a Presbyterian minister and writer who died when Saroyan was three years old.
- Saroyan spent several years in an orphanage in Oakland.
- He left school at age fifteen to become self-educated, working various jobs while pursuing his writing.
Career and Major Achievements
- Saroyan gained recognition in the 1930s with short stories celebrating the common man.
- He wrote prolifically, producing plays, novels, short stories, and essays.
- Saroyan won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1940 for his play The Time of Your Life, but refused it on the grounds that commerce should not judge art. He accepted the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for the same play.
- Served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
- Known for his optimistic and humanistic writing style.
Notable Works
Plays
- The Time of Your Life (1939)
- My Heart's in the Highlands (1939)
- Hello Out There (1941)
- The Beautiful People (1941)
Short Story Collections
- The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze and Other Stories (1934)
- My Name Is Aram (1940)
Novels
- The Human Comedy (1943)
- Adventures of Wesley Jackson (1946)
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | The Human Comedy | Writer | Based on his novel |
Legacy and Impact
William Saroyan was a significant figure in 20th-century American literature, known for his accessible style and optimistic portrayals of everyday life. His work, including his short story collections, novels, and plays, captured the spirit of the era and continues to resonate with readers and audiences. As a source, this document serves as a basic 'william saroyan biography summary organizer'.