Colson Whitehead Biography: Age, Girlfriend, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Books, Wife, Children

Colson Whitehead, an American author, has won two Pulitzer Prizes for fiction for his novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys and the National Book Award for his exploration of social themes like racism and fantastical elements.

With more than 30 years of experience in writing, he has established himself as an iconic writer who explores the complexities of history, race, and the human experience.

Whitehead’s works have been celebrated for their poignant insights and powerful storytelling.

Profile

• Full name: Colson Whitehead
• Date of birth: November 6, 1969
• Age: 55 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Author
• Height: Approximately 6 feet (1.83 meters)
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Julie Barer
• Children: 2 children
• Relationship status: Married
• Net worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Colson Whitehead was born in New York City on November 6, 1969. Currently 55 years old, he grew up in Manhattan’s Upper West Side and attended The Dalton School. From an early age, Whitehead has been keen on storytelling and literature.

After graduating from high school, Whitehead pursued his education at Harvard University, where he studied English.

During his time at Harvard, he honed his writing skills. Whitehead graduated from Harvard in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Personal Life

Colson Whitehead is married to Julie Barer, a Literary agent. The couple met in the early 1990s while pursuing their careers in New York City.

They share a passion for the arts and have collaborated on several projects throughout their relationship.

Colson Whitehead and his spouse Julie Barer, a literary agent, are parents to two children, a six-year-old boy and a fifteen-year-old girl. According to Whitehead, he writes while his kids are in school.

Career

Colson Whitehead’s career took shape in the early 1990s with the publication of his debut novel, “The Intuitionist.”

The book received positive reviews. Whitehead continued to churn out quality novels, including “John Henry Days,” “Apex Hides the Hurt,” and “Sag Harbor.” His works often feature race, history, and the complexities of the human experience.

In 2016, Whitehead achieved widespread recognition by publishing his novel “The Underground Railroad.”

The book, a historical novel that reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual train, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and became a New York Times bestseller.

Whitehead’s subsequent novel, “The Nickel Boys,” further solidified his reputation as a literary master. Published in 2019, the book explores the horrors of a segregated reform school in the Jim Crow South.

It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, making Whitehead the first author since William Faulkner to win the award twice.

Awards

• Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (2017, 2020)
• National Book Award for Fiction (2019)
• PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction (2019)
• Kirkus Prize for Fiction (2019)
• Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction (2016)
• Arthur C. Clarke Award (2017)
• Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction (2017)
• PEN/Jean Stein Book Award (2017)
• Anisfield-Wolf Book Award (2017)
• Hurston/Wright Legacy Award (2017)
• Audie Award for Fiction (2017)

Net Worth

Colson Whitehead’s current net worth is around $10 million.

His wealth primarily stems from his successful writing career, including book sales, royalties, and adaptations of his works into other media.

Controversy

Colson Whitehead has generally avoided major controversies throughout his career.

However, his works have sparked debate and discussion due to their exploration of sensitive topics such as race, history, and social injustice.

In particular, “The Underground Railroad” generated some controversy due to its fictionalization of the Underground Railroad.

Some critics argued that the novel’s portrayal of the Underground Railroad as an actual train was historically inaccurate and undermined the real struggles faced by enslaved individuals.

Despite these criticisms, “The Underground Railroad” received widespread praise for its literary merit and ability to provoke meaningful conversations about history and racial injustice.

Social Media

• Instagram: @colsonwhitehead
• Twitter: @colsonwhitehead

Books

• “The Intuitionist” (1999)
• “John Henry Days” (2001)
• “Apex Hides the Hurt” (2006)
• “Sag Harbor” (2009)
• “Zone One” (2011)
• “The Underground Railroad” (2016)
• “The Nickel Boys” (2019)
• “Harlem Shuffle” (2021)