Ancestry of
George Plimpton

Sports writer, Humorist, and Journalist

George Ames Plimpton

View famous kin of George Ames Plimpton

• • 1st Generation
  • Ahnentafel No:
  • 1 
  • Father:
  • Francis Taylor Pearsons Plimpton 
  • Mother:
  • Pauline Ames   
  • Birth Date:
  • 18 Mar 1927 
  • Birth Location:
  • New York, New York 
  • Christening Date:
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  • Christening Location:
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  • Death Date:
  • 25 Sep 2003 
  • Death Location:
  • New York, New York 
  • Burial Date:
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  • Burial Location:
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  • Notes: 

  • Sports writer, Humorist, and Journalist

    George Plimpton, born on March 18, 1927, in New York City, was a distinguished American sports writer, journalist, and humorist known for pioneering participatory journalism. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University, where he wrote for the Harvard Lampoon. After graduating in 1948, Plimpton studied at King's College, Cambridge.

    In 1953, Plimpton co-founded The Paris Review, an influential literary magazine where he served as editor for over 50 years, promoting the careers of numerous writers. His most famous work, "Paper Lion" (1966), chronicled his attempt to play quarterback for the Detroit Lions, blending his comedic touch with insightful sports reporting. This book is a prime example of his "New Journalism" style, which emphasizes personal involvement and narrative flair.

    Plimpton's other notable participatory projects included pitching to Major League Baseball all-stars, boxing with Archie Moore, and playing goalie for the Boston Bruins. His unique approach brought a fresh perspective to sports journalism and entertainment.

    In addition to his literary achievements, Plimpton appeared in films and on television, enhancing his public persona. His distinct voice and refined manner made him a popular guest on talk shows and in commercials.

    George Plimpton passed away on September 25, 2003, leaving behind a legacy of wit, adventurous spirit, and a distinctive contribution to American literature and journalism. His work continues to inspire and entertain, epitomizing the blend of humor and insight that defined his remarkable career.

• Marriages for George Ames Plimpton

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  • Spouse:
  • Fraddie Medora Espy
  • Marriage Date:
  • 1968

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  • Spouse:
  • Sarah Whitehead Dudley
  • Marriage Date:
  • 1991

• Sources for George Ames Plimpton

  • ¹ Newsday: Suffolk Edition (Melville, New York), 31 JUL 1983, p. 32, Obituary for father Francis T P Plimpton.
  • ² U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, Record for George Ames Plimpton.
  • ³ Roberts, Gary Boyd, The Mayflower 500: Five Hundred Notable Descendants of the Founding Families on the Mayflower, Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society (2020), 402.
  • ⁴ Wikipedia, "George Plimpton", (accessed 07/25/2024).