Political writer, satirist, and humorist P.J. O’Rourke has died at the age of 74, his publicist confirmed on Tuesday.
The former editor of National Lampoon, writer for dozens of publications including the now-defunct Weekly Standard, and author of more than 20 books was celebrated in life not just by allies on the right of the spectrum but friends on the left, as well. O’Rourke was a frequent guest and “Real Time Reporter” for Real Time With Bill Maher during the 2008 election, and his work has been quoted and cited across all aspects of politics.
News of the journalist’s death from complications from lung cancer was confirmed by United Talent Agency on Tuesday.
The Toledo, Ohio native received his undergraduate degree from Miami University in 1969 and earned an M.A. in English at Johns Hopkins University a year later.
He joined the National Lampoon in 1973, where he served as editor-in-chief, among other roles.
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O’Rourke wrote 20 books, best known for Holidays in Hell, a collection of his articles as a freelance foreign correspondent, as he examined political concerns such as global warming and famine from a libertarian perspective.
Tributes to the author quickly flooded social media after the news of his death hit the web.
National Review editor Richard Brookhiser wrote: “P.J. O’Rourke and I sat together at the 1988 GOP convention. When Bush41 promised the death penalty for drug kingpins, PJ asked, “Even if the drugs are good, and the prices fair?” R.I.P.”
CNN’s Jake Tapper said: “My deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
A fan of the writer chimed in, saying: “RIP P. J. O’Rourke. So enjoyed our several meetings, not to mention all your great literary accomplishments, not the least of which were for National Lampoon. The world is a lesser place without you.”
O’Rourke is survived by his wife Tina, two daughters, Elizabeth and Olivia, and son, Clifford.
(Excerpts) Read more in: Mediaite & The Sun