Biography: Gore Vidal was born Eugene Luther Gore Vidal Jr. on October 3, 1925 in West Point, New York to Eugene and Nina Vidal. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves after graduating from Exeter Academy in 1943. While in the Army, he published his first novel, Williwaw, in 1946. He ran for Congress in 1960 and ran for governor of California in 1982.

Film/TV Credits: His writing for film includes: "The Catered Affair," "I Accuse!," "The Left Handed Gun," "The Scapegoat," Suddenly, Last Summer," "Last of the Mobile Hot Shots," "Caligula," and "Dimenticare Palermo." His writing for television includes: "Suspense," "Omnibus," "Studio One in Hollywood," "The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse," "Climax!," "Texaco Star Theatre," "Matinee Theatre," "Sunday Showcase," "Dress Gray," Lincoln," and "Billy the Kid." His acting credits include: "Bob Roberts," "With Honors," "Shadow Conspiracy," Gattaca," "Family Guy," and "Shrink."

Other Awards: National Book Award for his non-fiction collection "United States: Essays, 1952-1992."

Trivia:
The marquees of Broadway theaters were dimmed in his honor on August 3, 2012.