Early Life and Education of David Simon: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of David Simon. A timeline of key moments.

David Simon is an American author, journalist, screenwriter, and producer. He is most recognized for creating and producing the critically acclaimed television series *The Wire* (2002–2008), which offered a complex and realistic portrayal of urban life, crime, and the failures of institutions. His work often explores themes of social inequality, systemic corruption, and the human cost of political and economic forces. He is also known for other television projects such as *Generation Kill*, *Treme*, *Show Me a Hero*, *The Deuce*, and *We Own This City*.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

February 9, 1960: David Simon's Birth

On February 9, 1960, David Judah Simon was born. He is an American author, journalist, screenwriter, and producer.

Others born on this day/year

March 1977: Father Held Hostage in Hanafi Siege

In March 1977, David Simon's father was among a group held hostage in Washington, D.C. during the Hanafi Siege. This occurred when Simon was in high school.

1983: Graduates from University of Maryland

In 1983, David Simon graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, where he wrote for and edited "The Diamondback" and befriended David Mills.

1985: Conversation Inspires Book Idea

On Christmas Eve in 1985, David Simon was told by Det. Bill Lansey a goddamn book could be written about the unit, which inspired him to write a book about the Baltimore Police Department Homicide Unit.

1990: Sister's Death

In 1990, David Simon's sister, Linda Evans, passed away.

1991: Marriage to Kayle Tucker

In 1991, David Simon married graphic artist Kayle Tucker. They had a son together, but the marriage later ended in divorce.

1999: Homicide: Life on the Street Series Ends

In 1999, Homicide: Life on the Street, the award-winning TV series based on Simon's book, ended. Simon worked as a writer and producer on the show.

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2004: Simon's Cynicism About Journalism

In 2004, David Simon expressed in an interview with Reason his increasing cynicism about the power of journalism since leaving the newspaper business.

2005: Carroll Resignation

In 2005, John Carroll resigned from his position as editor at the Los Angeles Times after budget cuts were announced. Previously, Carroll left The Baltimore Sun to become the editor at the Los Angeles Times.

2006: Marimow Diagnosis

In 2006, Bill Marimow was diagnosed with prostate cancer, an event that David Simon said "took the edge off" his grudge against him.

2006: Marriage to Laura Lippman

In 2006, David Simon married Baltimore novelist Laura Lippman in a ceremony officiated by John Waters.

April 2007: Simon's Revenge Writing

In April 2007, during a talk at the Creative Alliance's storytelling series, David Simon revealed that he began writing to get revenge against John Carroll and Bill Marimow, who were senior editors at The Baltimore Sun when Simon worked there.

2008: The Wire Concludes

In 2008, David Simon's television show, The Wire, concluded. He served as the creator, executive producer, head writer, and showrunner of the HBO television series, The Wire.

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2010: Birth of Daughter

In 2010, David Simon and Laura Lippman had a daughter.

2012: Commencement Speaker

In 2012, David Simon was the commencement speaker for the Georgetown University College of Arts and Sciences and the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School graduation.

November 2013: Speech on Inequality

In November 2013, during a speech at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney, David Simon stated that America has become "a horror show" of savage inequality due to capitalism run amok and called for a reevaluation of socialism.

2013: Comparison of Surveillance Disclosures

In 2013, David Simon compared the global surveillance disclosures uncovered by Edward Snowden to a 1980s effort by the City of Baltimore to record the numbers dialed from all pay phones. He argued that the media attention was a "faux scandal."

2016: Views on Democratic Primaries

During the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries, David Simon praised Bernie Sanders for "rehabilitating and normalizing the term socialist back into American public life", but opposed some attacks against Hillary Clinton.

2018: Lefty Driesell Inducted into ACC Hall of Fame

In 2018, Lefty Driesell, who was previously involved in a controversy that David Simon wrote about, was inducted into the ACC Hall of Fame.

2019: Firing of Agents

In 2019, David Simon joined other writers in firing their agents as part of the Writers Guild of America's stand against the Association of Talent Agents. Simon had previously criticized the practice of packaging by major talent agencies.

2019: The Deuce Concludes

In 2019, the drama series about the New York porn industry in the 1970s and 1980s called "The Deuce" created by David Simon and George Pelecanos concluded.

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2020: Separation from Laura Lippman

In 2020, David Simon and Laura Lippman separated.

April 2022: Support for Alexei Navalny

In April 2022, David Simon thanked Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny for using a quote from The Wire in his court speech and wished him good luck.

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