Novelist Larry McMurtry, author of ‘Lonesome Dove,’ passes way at 84
The U.S. novelist Larry McMurtry, the author who wrote about complex relationships in novels namely- “The Last Picture Show” and “Terms of Endearment,” later helped redefine the American Old West with the epic “Lonesome Dove,” passed away at 84.
He died on Thursday night, his publicist Amanda Lundberg told on Friday. She did not immediately have any further details regarding the same.
In addition to his Pulitzer Prize for “Lonesome Dove” in 1986, McMurtry won an Academy Award in 2006. Then his writing partner was Diana Ossana for the screenplay of “Brokeback Mountain.” It was about the relationship between two gay cowboys. He was also nominated in 1972 for his adaptation of his novel “The Last Picture Show.”
The Pulitzer winner wrote nearly 50 books- collections of essays and criticism and memoirs in addition to his novels. But, “Lonesome Dove” had a major impact. It was a sweeping tale of two aging former Texas Rangers – the amiable Gus and cantankerous Call – on a cattle drive from Texas to Montana.
McMurtry developed a lasting affection for many of his characters. He would quite often bring them back for sequels. The principles from “Lonesome Dove” would eventually be in four books and the characters from “The Last Picture Show” generated five novels.
McMurtry had a contrarian streak – he wore jeans over his tuxedo jacket to pick up his Oscar – and took a simple approach to his writing. “I like making stuff up,” he told Texas Monthly in 2016. “I just write.”
Many celebrities remember his best works and are paying their condolences on Twitter. May his soul rest in peace.
What a gut punch. McMurtry's thinking & writing about Texas–esp. his book of essays, "In A Narrow Grave"–was formative for me.
The first pilgrimage I made when I moved here was to his bookstore in Archer City (pop. 1,838).
RIP to one of the greats.https://t.co/tsN0fXwICc
— Pamela Colloff (@pamelacolloff) March 26, 2021
Larry McMurtry was a great storyteller. I learned from him, which was important. I was entertained by him, which was ALL important.
RIP, cowboy.
Horseman, pass by.— Stephen King (@StephenKing) March 26, 2021
https://twitter.com/MarkHarrisNYC/status/1375475148216807429?s=20
Beers raised up, tears raining down for the realest of the real ones. Arguably the greatest American novelist of the 20th century. Inarguably the writer who singlehandedly got me through the pandemic. A legend and a titanic loss. https://t.co/JolGVsi91A
— Andy Greenwald (@andygreenwald) March 26, 2021
