Gay Talese

Birthdate: February 7th, 1932
NJ Town Affiliation: Ocean City

Gay Talese was born on February 7, 1932, in Ocean City, New Jersey, to an Italian immigrant father who was a custom tailor and an Italian-American mother who ran the leading dress shop in their hometown. His early interest in journalism began in high school, where he wrote a news column for The Ocean City Sentinel-Ledger. This passion continued during his time at the University of Alabama, where he served as the campus correspondent for The Birmingham Post-Herald.

After graduating in 1953, Talese joined The New York Times as a news assistant. After two years of service as a lieutenant in an armored unit deployed to Germany, he resumed his work at The New York Times, where he spent ten years as a reporter before transitioning to a career as a freelance magazine writer. Talese contributed to renowned publications such as Esquire and The New Yorker, producing more than a dozen books, including four best sellers.

One of his most celebrated pieces, “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold,” was published in Esquire in 1966. He continued to write noteworthy profiles, including an article on Tony Bennett for The New Yorker in 2011. Over his distinguished career, Talese received numerous accolades, including the George Polk Career Award in 2008.

Talese has been married for over sixty years to Nan Talese, a respected book editor. Together, they have two daughters, Pamela, a painter, and Catherine, a photo editor.