Truman Capote Net Worth

What was Truman Capote’s Net Worth?

Truman Capote, the celebrated American author, screenwriter, and playwright, left an indelible mark on 20th-century literature and pop culture. His estimated net worth at the time of his death was $10 million, a testament to his successful career. Capote’s literary contributions, including the iconic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and the groundbreaking non-fiction novel “In Cold Blood,” cemented his status as a literary giant. His works continue to captivate readers and have been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, ensuring his enduring relevance.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Truman Streckfus Persons on September 30, 1924, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Truman Capote’s early life was marked by familial instability. His parents divorced when he was young, leading to a childhood spent primarily in Monroeville, Alabama, under the care of his mother’s relatives. This period proved formative, fostering his love for reading and writing. He befriended Harper Lee, author of “To Kill a Mockingbird”, during this time, a relationship that would last a lifetime. Capote began writing fiction at the age of eleven, finding solace and expression in the written word.

Capote’s formal education included attendance at Trinity School, St. Joseph Military Academy, Greenwich High School, and the Franklin School. At the age of 17, he began his professional career at The New Yorker as a copyboy, a position he held for two years before being dismissed. This setback did not deter him; instead, it propelled him to focus entirely on his writing, a decision that would shape his future.

Literary Success: Novels and Short Stories

Capote’s literary career flourished in the 1940s. He penned several short stories that were published in prominent magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Mademoiselle, and Story. His short story “Miriam,” published in 1945, garnered critical acclaim and caught the attention of Random House, leading to a contract to write his first novel. Though his first novel, “Summer Crossing,” was written earlier, it was published posthumously in 2006. His first published novel, “Other Voices, Other Rooms”, was a semi-autobiographical work reflecting his Southern Gothic style, and it achieved significant commercial success, remaining on the New York Times Best Seller list for nine weeks.

Following the success of “Other Voices, Other Rooms”, Capote released collections of short stories and other works including “A Tree of Night and Other Stories” and “Local Color”. His second published novel, “The Grass Harp”, came out in 1951, followed by the journalistic book “The Muses Are Heard” in 1956, further establishing his versatility and literary prowess.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and Its Cultural Impact

In 1958, Truman Capote released “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” a novella that would become one of his most beloved and enduring works. The book, which also included the short stories “House of Flowers,” “A Diamond Guitar,” and “A Christmas Memory,” introduced the world to Holly Golightly, a character who quickly became a cultural icon. Her allure and complexity captured the imaginations of readers, contributing significantly to the novella’s success.

The 1961 film adaptation of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” starring Audrey Hepburn, further solidified the novella’s place in popular culture. The movie, directed by Blake Edwards, was a box-office success and broadened Capote’s audience. The story has since been adapted for the stage as both a musical and a play, demonstrating its continued appeal across various media.

“In Cold Blood”: A Landmark Achievement in Non-Fiction

Capote’s most ambitious and arguably most significant work was “In Cold Blood,” published in 1966. This non-fiction novel was the result of six years of painstaking research and writing, inspired by a 1959 New York Times article detailing the brutal murder of a Kansas family. Capote immersed himself in the investigation, interviewing those involved, including the investigators, the townspeople, and the killers themselves.

“In Cold Blood” was a groundbreaking work that blurred the lines between fiction and journalism. It was a critical and commercial success, becoming a worldwide bestseller and earning Capote widespread literary acclaim. The book was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film directed by Richard Brooks just a year after its release, further cementing its legacy.

Getty Images

Capote’s Work in Film, Television, and Theatre

Truman Capote extended his talents beyond writing books and short stories. He contributed to the screen and stage, adapting his novel “The Grass Harp” into a Broadway play in 1952. A year later, he co-wrote the screenplay for John Huston’s film “Beat the Devil” and wrote the dialogue for Vittorio De Sica’s “Terminal Station.”

In 1954, Capote wrote the lyrics and book for the Broadway musical “House of Flowers,” based on his own short story. He co-wrote the screenplay for the psychological horror film “The Innocents” in 1960, based on Henry James’ novella “The Turn of the Screw.” His other screenwriting credits include the television film “A Christmas Memory,” an adaptation of his own short story.

Capote’s life and work have also been the subject of numerous stage and screen productions. The Broadway play “Tru,” a one-man show, was adapted from Capote’s writings. Another one-man show, “The Truman Capote Talk Show,” was created in 1994. In 2005, Bennett Miller directed the biographical film “Capote,” starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as the author, with Hoffman winning an Oscar for his performance. Toby Jones portrayed Capote in the biopic “Infamous” the following year.

Personal Life, Death, and Enduring Legacy

Capote’s personal life was as captivating as his writing. He was openly gay and had relationships with men like Newton Arvin and Jack Dunphy. Known for his distinctive high-pitched voice, flamboyant style, and presence in elite social circles, Capote’s lifestyle and personality often made headlines.

In the 1970s, he resided in Palm Springs, California, where he adopted a lifestyle of drugs and heavy drinking, leading to several stints in rehabilitation clinics. He also had a tumultuous relationship with John O’Shea. Capote suffered a seizure that required hospitalization, which led him to become somewhat reclusive. Truman Capote passed away on August 25, 1984, at the age of 59, due to liver disease, compounded by drug intoxication and phlebitis.

Truman Capote’s legacy as a literary innovator remains secure. His unique style, his unforgettable characters, and his ability to capture the essence of the American experience continue to inspire readers, writers, and filmmakers. His works continue to be read, studied, and adapted, guaranteeing his enduring place in literary history.

/**/