Fran Lebowitz is an American author, public speaker, and actor known for her witty and satirical commentary on American life, particularly from her New York City perspective. She rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s New York art scene, associating with figures like Andy Warhol and Martin Scorsese. Her fame grew with her books 'Metropolitan Life' and 'Social Studies,' which capture her sharp observations. Lebowitz has been the subject of two Martin Scorsese-directed films, 'Public Speaking' and 'Pretend It's a City,' further solidifying her cultural presence.
October 27, 1950: Birth of Fran Lebowitz
Fran Lebowitz was born on October 27, 1950. This date marks the beginning of her journey to becoming a renowned American author, public speaker, and actor.
1969: Move to New York City
At the age of 18, after receiving her high school equivalency certificate, Fran Lebowitz relocated to New York City in 1969. This move would significantly shape her experiences and perspectives, becoming a core element of her writing and persona.
1971: Meeting Peter Hujar
In 1971, Fran Lebowitz met photographer Peter Hujar, marking the beginning of a significant friendship within the New York art scene.
1978: Publication of "Metropolitan Life"
In 1978, Fran Lebowitz published her first book, "Metropolitan Life", a collection of humorous essays primarily from her work in Mademoiselle and Interview. This marked her rise to local celebrity status.
1979: Acquisition of Her Pearl-Grey Checker Cab
In 1979, Fran Lebowitz acquired her treasured pearl-grey Checker cab, a vehicle that holds a special place in her heart and is the only car she has ever owned.
1981: Publication of "Social Studies"
Fran Lebowitz further solidified her career as a comedic essayist with the 1981 publication of "Social Studies", another collection of witty observations, mostly drawn from her contributions to Mademoiselle and Interview.
1987: Publication of "The Impact of AIDS on the Artistic Community"
In 1987, The New York Times published Fran Lebowitz's poignant piece titled "The Impact of AIDS on the Artistic Community", showcasing her insightful commentary on the devastating effects of the epidemic within the creative sphere.
1994: Publication of "Mr. Chas and Lisa Sue Meet the Pandas"
Fran Lebowitz ventured into children's literature with the 1994 publication of "Mr. Chas and Lisa Sue Meet the Pandas", a story about pandas in New York City yearning for Paris. This marked her last published book.
1994: Publication of "The Fran Lebowitz Reader"
In 1994, "The Fran Lebowitz Reader" was released, bringing together her two previous books, "Metropolitan Life" and "Social Studies", into a single volume.
1997: Contributing Editor for Vanity Fair
Since 1997, Fran Lebowitz has been a contributing editor and occasional columnist for Vanity Fair, further solidifying her presence in the world of journalism and cultural commentary.
2001: Recurring Role on "Law & Order"
From 2001, Fran Lebowitz took on a recurring role as Judge Janice Goldberg in the television drama series "Law & Order", showcasing her acting skills.
2004: Excerpt of "Progress" in Vanity Fair
An excerpt from Fran Lebowitz's then-forthcoming book, "Progress", appeared in Vanity Fair in 2004. However, the book itself remained unfinished as of 2023.
September 2007: Named One of the Year's Most Stylish Women
Fran Lebowitz's distinctive personal style was recognized in September 2007 when Vanity Fair included her in their 68th Annual International Best-Dressed List.
2007: End of "Law & Order" Role
In 2007, Fran Lebowitz's recurring role as Judge Janice Goldberg in the television drama series "Law & Order" came to an end.
November 17, 2010: Return to "The Late Show with David Letterman"
On November 17, 2010, after a 16-year absence, Fran Lebowitz returned to "The Late Show with David Letterman" to promote the documentary "Public Speaking". During her appearance, she discussed her long-standing writer's block, humorously referring to it as a "writer's blockade".
November 22, 2010: Debut of "Public Speaking"
Martin Scorsese's documentary about Fran Lebowitz, "Public Speaking", premiered on HBO on November 22, 2010. The film combined interviews with Lebowitz and footage of her speaking engagements, offering an insightful and engaging portrait of the writer and public figure.
2010: Release of "Public Speaking" Documentary
Fran Lebowitz was featured in the HBO documentary "Public Speaking", directed by Martin Scorsese, in 2010. The film offered an intimate look at her life and career, introducing her to a new generation.
2013: Appearance in "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Fran Lebowitz made a cameo appearance as a judge in Martin Scorsese's 2013 film "The Wolf of Wall Street", further showcasing her connection to the acclaimed director.
2016: Lebowitz's Reaction to Trump's Election
Fran Lebowitz has been an outspoken critic of former president Donald Trump. In 2016, she expressed her dismay over his election, describing it as "horrible" and stating that she felt emotionally affected for at least a month. She also criticized Trump's policies and rhetoric, calling him a "cheap hustler", "stupid", "lazy", and "a little crazy, but mostly he's dumb." Lebowitz's sharp commentary on Trump reflected her liberal political views and her deep concern about the direction of the country.
2016: Lebowitz Discusses the Impact of the AIDS Epidemic
In 2016, Fran Lebowitz gave an interview where she poignantly addressed the profound impact of the AIDS epidemic on American culture. She particularly emphasized the significant cultural void left by the loss of a generation of artists and intellectuals, highlighting their contributions as both creators and enthusiastic supporters of art and intellectual discourse.
2016: Lebowitz Opens Up About Personal Relationships
In 2016, Fran Lebowitz openly discussed her personal life and romantic relationships, describing herself as a "horrible girlfriend" despite being a good daughter, relative, and friend.
May 2019: Lebowitz Makes Controversial Remarks about Trump on Real Time
In May 2019, Fran Lebowitz appeared on the show "Real Time with Bill Maher" where she made controversial remarks about former President Donald Trump, suggesting he should face a similar fate to journalist Jamal Khashoggi. She later clarified her comments on the same program.
2019: Lebowitz's Views on Feminism
In a 2019 interview, Fran Lebowitz shared her perspective on feminism, characterizing herself as the "opposite of lean-in feminism", a statement that sparked discussion and highlighted her unique stance on gender roles and societal expectations.
2021: Collaboration on "Pretend It's a City"
Fran Lebowitz teamed up again with Martin Scorsese in 2021 for the Netflix docu-series "Pretend It's a City." In this project, Scorsese interviews Lebowitz on various subjects, with a particular focus on New York City.
2023: Lebowitz's "Progress" Remains Unfinished
As of 2023, Fran Lebowitz's book "Progress", from which an excerpt was published in Vanity Fair in 2004, remains unfinished, highlighting her ongoing struggle with writer's block.