What Happened to Edmund White? ‘A Boy's Own Story' Author Passes Away
Here are more details about Edmund White's death.
Edmund White, the acclaimed American author who helped redefine gay literature, has died at the age of 85. According to his agent Bill Clegg, White passed away on Tuesday evening while waiting for an ambulance after suffering symptoms related to a stomach illness.
White became a leading voice in LGBTQ+ literature beginning in the 1970s. He was best known for his 1982 novel A Boy's Own Story, which reflected his own experience growing up gay in mid-20th-century America. It was the first in a semi-autobiographical trilogy that also includes The Beautiful Room Is Empty and The Farewell Symphony.
Born in Ohio in 1940 and raised in Illinois, White initially planned to attend Harvard but chose the University of Michigan so he could stay close to a therapist who claimed he could 'cure' homosexuality. He went on to live in New York and San Francisco, building a career in freelance journalism and magazine editing before publishing his debut novel, Forgetting Elena, in 1973. (via The Guardian)
Over the years, White published more than 30 works. These include memoirs, essays, and biographies of literary figures like Jean Genet and Marcel Proust. His final memoir, The Loves of My Life, was released in 2025.
White's husband, Michael Carroll, remembered him as kind, generous, and wise. He said, 'He was wise enough to be kind nearly always. He was generally beyond exasperation and was generous. I keep thinking of something to tell him before I remember.'
The post What Happened to Edmund White? 'A Boy's Own Story' Author Passes Away appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
Donald Trump to Host UFC Fight on White House Grounds: What to Know
President Donald Trump has said he is thinking of hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence next year. Trump said the event would be a "full fight" with about 20,000 to 25,000 people in attendance. "So every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250. And I even think we're going to have a UFC fight," the president said during a speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Thursday. Newsweek contacted the White House and UFC for comment by email outside regular working hours. Trump, an enthusiast for the sport, has attended multiple mixed martial arts matches in recent months and is a friend of Dana White, the UFC's president. The unprecedented White House event forms part of Trump's broader effort to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, which is also expected to feature national ceremonies, military flyovers and special programs at national parks. Trump has also described plans for the "Great American State Fair," a nationwide series of events culminating on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Each state would have a pavilion to showcase its culture and contributions. Speaking in Iowa on Thursday, Trump said: "We're going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there." "Dana is going to do it," he continued, adding, "We are going to have a UFC fight-championship fight, full fight, like 20-25,000 people-and we are going to do that as part of 250 also." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed after the speech that Trump was "dead serious" about hosting the event. Trump has regularly attended UFC fights, most recently last month in Newark, New Jersey. He also attended a fight in Miami in April. Trump's friendship with White goes back to at least 2001, when he allowed the UFC to hold a fight at his Trump Taj Mahal hotel in Atlantic City. White also introduced Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last July. A UFC official told CNN: "We are in discussions with the White House about hosting a UFC event on site." President Donald Trump said during his Memorial Day address in May: "We're gonna have a big, big celebration, as you know, 250 years. … In some ways, I'm glad I missed that second term where it was because I wouldn't be your president for that." Monica Crowley, the chief of protocol of the U.S., said: "We've had so much division and so much polarization over the last many decades, but certainly over the last few years, that to be able to bring the country together to celebrate America's 250th birthday through patriotism, shared values and a renewed sense of civic pride, to be able to do that in the center of the country, is incredibly important." Officials have not yet confirmed a date for the proposed UFC fight or provided logistic details. Related Articles Donald Trump Calls Bankers 'Shylocks'Trump Shares Candid Assessment of Putin CallVideos Show Trump's Crowd Size at Iowa State Fair 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Summer 2025 in New York: Borscht Belt laughs, butterfly gardens and more
If the thermometer-shattering temperatures and sweltering sun weren't proof enough, pleasant spring days are long gone. But summer in the city doesn't have to be all sweaty subway expeditions and serpentine ice cream lines down the block, however — this is the season when the Big Apple and environs truly come alive. 14 NYers beat the heat any way they can. This month, many will flock to Snug Harbor's Sprinklerfest — a Staten Island seasonal favorite — to cool off. Lance J. Reha From budget-friendly park offerings to a one-of-a-kind urban 'glampground,' here are The Post's must-attend activities to add to your summer calendar. Borscht Belt Fest 14 Comedy legend Robert Klein performs onstage at Gotham Comedy Club in 2015. Getty Images Borscht Belt Fest — a nostalgic celebration of the iconic Catskills community that thrived as a resort destination catered towards Jewish vacationers — will honor a comedy legend of the era this year: Robert Klein, whose status as an icon of American stand-up will be feted with the fest's first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. It turns out that even before he stepped onto the stage, Klein spent his childhood summers going to small resorts and hotels in the region, which includes the Ulster County town of Ellenville, where the festival will be held July 26 and 27. 'I was a lifeguard in a hotel, and when I was 16 or 17, I was a busboy with a bunch of other college boys. And of course, there was romance in the air,' he recently revealed to The Post. 'You know, my sister met her husband there in the Concord,' referencing the former grand resort, now the site of Resorts World Catskills. That was when the region first inspired his love of the craft. 14 These days, the comedy and culture scene in the 'Borscht Belt' region has been revived, and countless visitors flock to the area to get a taste of the golden age resort lifestyle. '[One summer] I actually borrowed a tuxedo from the band and wore it over my bathing suit, and I introduced the acts. I got up and did it. That was important. I was terrified, but I was entertained,' said Klein, who will make an appearance at a screening of and a panel discussion for the documentary 'Robert Klein Still Can't Stop His Leg.' Not all of the Borscht Belt's golden-age comedians became nationwide sensations like Klein, Joan Rivers or Sid Caesar, to name a few, but many cultivated the dry, edgy brand of stand-up that audiences across the U.S. have become so familiar with. 14 Linda Axelrod, a Joan Rivers impersonator, was a legendary performer at the iconic Friars Club. Brad Devins/Borscht Belt Museum 'I thought, you know, that's a great way to make a living. And I've never stopped thinking that. Making people laugh is a high calling,' Klein told The Post. 'To be remembered for doing it, and doing it well at that, is great.' The 83-year-old comedian, who retired this year after six decades in the business, also shared that he has fond memories of the culinary culture that existed in the hotels. 'It was that kind of Jewish cooking that is completely lost — and partially in a good way, because cardiologists have made a tremendous amount of money due to that food,' Klein joked. 14 Street fair eats at Borscht Belt Fest. Brad Devins/Borscht Belt Museum The planned screening of the documentary also stirred up plenty of nostalgia for him. 'It was wonderful to see all these great, big star comedians who say that I had some influence on them,' Klein said, recalling when Jay Leno pointed to him a comedian people would say was 'smart' and 'normal,' rather than 'commiserating with your mother,' and how Jerry Seinfeld called him 'the Beatles of comedy.' Just like the New Yorkers of the region's golden age, vacationers can make a 90-minute drive to Ellenville for the festival weekend of stand-up comedy, a street fair, history talks and Borscht Belt Museum tours. Tickets range from $25 to $40 and are available at Bat Night Walk 14 Checking out bats at Brooklyn's Marine Park is a fun, unexpected summer activity. MediaNews Group via Getty Images Contrary to popular belief, pigeons aren't New York's only airborne animals — in fact, they share the skies with nine native bat species. On July 31, Gotham Bat Conservancy is hosting a Bat Walk in Brooklyn's Marine Park, where attendees can learn from NYC's leading bat experts. Aside from spotting bats as they flit through the trees and snack on insects, GBC president and principal biologist Ryan Maroney said that the conservancy's team offers a pre-walk 411 on the animals that involves dismissing visions of Dracula and persistent bat-related wives' tales. And, no, bats aren't trying to swoop at you and get stuck in your hair, he told The Post. 'There are only three different species of bats in the whole world out of around 1,400 different species of bats that are sanguivorous [blood feeders],' Maroney explained, 'so New Yorkers are all good. All of the bats that we have here are insectivores.' Attendees will likely glimpse eastern red and big brown bats, but summertime is also prime insect season, so rarer species like the beloved northern long-eared bats and tricolor bats may make appearances as well. Bat Walk is free, but interested parties should register online. Central Park's Butterfly Garden 14 The North Meadow Butterfly Garden is located mid-park around West 103rd Street. Stefano Giovannini Central Park's sprawling grounds are home to some of the city's most iconic summer destinations, with New Yorkers flocking to picnics in Sheep Meadow, impromptu volleyball games in the sand pits and bike rides around its many paths. But here's your chance to check out one of its best-kept secrets: the North Meadow Butterfly Garden. This summer, visitors can join nature experts on a guided tour of the garden and the native wildflower meadow, where Monarch butterflies and other pollinators are almost a sure sight, especially now that the gardens are in full bloom. Perfect for families, the nature-inclined, or those looking for a low-stress, laid-back jaunt through the park, the walk will be offered on July 21, 24 and 26. Tickets range from free to $33, depending on age, and can be reserved online. East River Tennis Courts 14 Basketball courts, a lawn, a picnic area and BBQ pits were added to the park alongside the new courts. Tamara Beckwith Calling all racket players — the East River tennis courts at John V. Lindsay Park (from Montgomery Street to East 12th Street, hugging FDR Drive) are once again open to the public. After four long years of construction and renovations, the beloved spot is back with six brand-new hard courts, open daily from dawn to dusk. The courts, christened over Memorial Day weekend, boast better drainage systems, new benches and drinking fountains, and pleasant views of the East River and the skyline beyond. Met Museum Rooftop 14 The rooftop is subject to closure depending on the weather, so plan ahead if you're interested in catching the exhibit. Tamara Beckwith The popular Met Rooftop Garden is currently showing its last exhibition until 2030, due to forthcoming renovations. Jennie C. Jones' 'Ensemble,' a striking display that combines minimalism and musical instruments to salute 'black improvisation and avant-garde music,' sits atop the museum's sprawling — and scenic — Cantor rooftop. Deep red, brown and black hues reflect off the installation's sculptural elements, with shifts in color and sound as the weather changes, offering a unique encounter each time. The exhibition is free with museum admission until October. The View 14 The slowly rotating restaurant offers top-tier views of the skyscraper-lined horizon and an up-close look at Times Square — without the area's typical crowds. Olga Ginzburg for NY Post Kiss overrated rooftop bars and pricey harbor booze cruises goodbye. Instead, head for Times Square, where the glass-encased, rotating dining room high atop the Marriott Marquis has once again become one of the Big Apple's premier ways to take in the city's views while enjoying a meal. The NYC classic, located on the 47th floor of the hotel at 1535 Broadway, has a whole new look and attitude — and menu — after a revamp by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group. The aptly named restaurant could be your best chance to catch a glimpse of a summer sunset against the skyline or try your luck at admiring the East River's Fourth of July fireworks from afar. 14 The View's executive chef, Marjorie Meek-Bradley, previously worked in high-profile Starr Restaurant Group spots. Olga Ginzburg for NY Post Crab cakes, beef tartare, spaghetti chitarra and a classic prime rib are popular menu picks, but no visit is complete without a $10 dessert — or two — to sweeten the night. While reservations are recommended, walk-in guests can try their luck for a table, or enjoy small plates and cocktails in the lounge and bar area, one floor up. Snug Harbor Sprinklerfest 14 The free Staten Island ferry ride usually takes around 25 minutes to get to and from Manhattan. Lance J. Reha Central Park's brand-new pool is convenient, sure. But for New York families looking to cool off and skip lengthy lines, Staten Island is the place to be. On July 18, the sprawling Snug Harbor Cultural Center complex will host Sprinklerfest, an annual event geared toward wholesome — and wet — outdoor fun where kids and their nostalgic parents can playfully dash through sprinklers, enjoy a spread of summery food and jam out to local music. Bonus: Snug Harbor is also home to a top-notch botanical garden — Brooklyn and Queens aren't the only boroughs with awe-inspiring greenery. Catch the free Staten Island Ferry for this year's event, which runs from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at South Meadow. Register for free ahead of the event on the organization's website. Charlie Parker Jazz Festival 14 Jazz lovers gathered in Marcus Garvey Park for the 2024 iteration of the festival. Sean J. Rhinehart SGP Newcomers and jazz legends like Nicholas Payton, the Bertha Hope Quintet, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap, and bassist Ron Carter will celebrate the genre at SummerStage's Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, an annual three-day bash dedicated to its namesake saxophonist. The series will blend jazz classics, funk and soul from Aug. 22 to 24. The best part? The festival is free and open to all ages, so jazz fiends don't have to brave long lines that the city's leading bars and clubs now command. The first two nights, attendees can catch musicians at Marcus Garvey Park before the final afternoon at Tompkins Square Park. Collective Retreats 14 Rates for Collective Retreats' luxe tents begin at $249 per night. Collective Retreats Governors Island No, 'glamping' isn't just for upscale upstaters or the faux-granola crowd. New Yorkers can enjoy the trend, thanks to Collective Retreats, which boasts the city's first wellness-oriented 'glampground.' Enjoy a night under the open sky in the heart of the city in one of 29 luxury tents, unplug from cosmopolitan concerns with a bike ride down tranquil tree-lined paths, unwind with access to spa-style bathhouses, and dig into nightly gourmet s'mores sessions. After a snappy eight-minute ferry ride from Manhattan and Brooklyn, slow down with sunrise yoga, sophisticated seasonal dinners at Three Peaks Lodge, and more. iFly Queens Adrenaline-addicted New Yorkers, this one's for you. iFly, an indoor skydiving facility in Long Island City (10-20 Borden Ave.), soft-launched its one-and-only NYC location last year, but a massive grand opening is set for July 19. Thrill-seekers aged 3 and up can gear up in flight suits and hop in the vertical wind tunnels for a truly unique experience from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Elle
3 hours ago
- Elle
26 Fourth of July Movies That Are Better Than Watching Fireworks
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Fireworks? Sure. A patriotic cookout? Maybe. A good movie lineup? Non-negotiable. Whether you're staying cool indoors or winding down after a day in the sun, nothing beats kicking back with a film that captures the spirit—or spectacle—of the Fourth of July. From nostalgic blockbusters to timeless dramas, these are the titles worth pressing play on during the long weekend. I mean, it's kind of all right there in the name. Watch Now on Prime Video Now that Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit is on Disney+, you can watch this Tony-winning musical right from home. Watch Now on Disney+ The maxi-sized Baker family (Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Hilary Duff, Tom Welling, and more) trek to Lake Winnetka to celebrate Labor Day, but watching little Mark Baker (Forrest Landis) set off an entire backpack full of fireworks and causing their boat to explode is much more entertaining than seeing it happen to your cousin. The Vietnam War tale, based on a veteran's true story, gets automatic inclusion on this list. Celebrating our country's Independence Day means remembering the dark days in our nation's history too. This 2021 film does just that—it follows abolitionist Harriet Tubman (played by Cynthia Erivo) who led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. It doesn't get much more American than this coming-of-age comedy with a strong dose of '60s nostalgia. Watch Now The action goes down on a Fourth of July weekend, but this horror movie might make you too afraid of sharks to ever celebrate July 4 on a beach again. This classic celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, so it might be time to brave the waters. This comedy doesn't scream Fourth of July, but the four main characters are heading to New Orleans on July 4th weekend for the Essence Festival. Independence Day films don't always have to be about outright patriotism and freedom—a nice laugh on the holiday works too. A musical classic about the man who wrote 'You're a Grand Old Flag.' Mustache-less Chris Evans. Need I say more? Watch Now Disney+ For the more eclectic celebrators, Moonrise Kingdom is the ultimate summery Wes Anderson Americana flick—and probably the only film that could actually make you actually want to go camping. Ava DuVernay directs this Civil Rights film that follows Martin Luther King Jr.'s (David Oyelowo) journey to securing voting rights for Black Americans. A biopic that truly demonstrates patriotism and freedom. Watch Now on Paramount+ This is the second Tom Cruise combat movie on this list, and it helped make 'Maverick' a part of the American pop-culture lexicon. Sure, it's another Tom Cruise film, but this one's a sequel that was 36 years in the making. With a new generation of rising stars (hi, Glen Powell), high-speed jets, and shirtless beach football, what more could you want in a summer movie? Corn on the cob and a dip in the pool for Independence day? Boring. Instead, try a summer lake-house romp that explores all of America's scariest lore in one fell swoop. Few things are more American than baseball. Feminist film A League of Their Own shows a women-led team breaking the glass ceiling in the male-dominated league. Nicolas Cage turns into a historian obsessed with finding a hidden treasure with links to his family history. His fixation leads him to steal the Declaration of Independence, where a coded message to a map lies. Will he find the treasure or is he just another victim of a good ole conspiracy theory? Watch and you'll see! The ultimate action actor, Harrison Ford, plays a former soldier turned president who must save his family and staff from terrorists after they hijack his plane. Acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg (who also helmed Jaws above) directed and produced this biopic about former president Abraham Lincoln, with Daniel Day-Lewis delivering a stunning performance in the titular role. This 2012 film has become a staple of American cinema, which makes it a perfect 4th of July film. Celebrate the Black veterans who risked their lives fighting the Confederacy in the Civil War. This film brings all the feels. Starring Denzel Washington and a 20-year-old Ryan Gosling, this sports film is based on a true story of a newly integrated high school football team and their Black coach. The performances are spectacular, but it's the soundtrack that'll give you goosebumps. This thriller follows U.S. intelligence officers and Navy SEALS on their decade-long search for Osama bin Laden. Enter: Maya, a CIA intelligence analyst who might have answers to all of their questions. The untold story of three courageous Black women who helped NASA journey to space is the perfect film to reminisce about America's history. Add the stellar performances of Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, Hidden Figures might become one of your favorites. A love triangle and a historical drama all in one? Pop the popcorn, please. If Remember the Titans will make you tear up, then Saving Private Ryan will make you bawl. This war film follows a group of soldiers who venture behind enemy lines to rescue a lone soldier whose brothers have all been killed in combat. Watch Now on Prime Video Okay, technically it's not about the Fourth—but Eddie Murphy arriving in Queens in search of true love is a tribute to the American Dream story if we've ever seen one. Packed with iconic lines and peak '80s style, it's patriotic in its own way. Watch Now on Pluto TV Few movies capture the freedom of summer quite like this nostalgic coming-of-age classic. There's baseball, fireworks, s'mores, and just the right amount of childhood chaos. Watch Now on Hulu
