32 Facts About Hunter S. Thompson

Hunter S. Thompson: The Man Behind Gonzo Journalism

Hunter S. Thompson was a larger-than-life figure in American literature. Known for his unique style of writing and his wild lifestyle, Thompson left an indelible mark on journalism and popular culture. Here are some fascinating facts about this legendary writer.

1. 01

   Inventor of Gonzo Journalism
   Thompson created a new style of journalism called Gonzo, which blends factual reporting with fictional elements and the writer's personal experiences.

2. 02

   Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
   His most famous work, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the American Dream through a drug-fueled road trip.

3. 03

   Lived in Woody Creek, Colorado
   Thompson spent much of his life in a secluded cabin in Woody Creek, Colorado, where he wrote many of his famous works.

4. 04

   Ran for Sheriff
   In 1970, Thompson ran for sheriff of Pitkin County, Colorado, on the Freak Power ticket. His campaign was unconventional, to say the least.

5. 05

   Friendship with Johnny Depp
   Actor Johnny Depp was a close friend of Thompson. Depp even lived in Thompson's basement to prepare for his role in the film adaptation of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."

Early Life and Career

Before becoming a literary icon, Thompson had a tumultuous early life that shaped his future work.

6. 06

   Born in Louisville, Kentucky
   Thompson was born on July 18, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky.

7. 07

   Troubled Youth
   He had a troubled youth, including several run-ins with the law. He was even jailed for 60 days for abetting a robbery.

8. 08

   Military Service
   Thompson served in the United States Air Force as a sports editor for the base newspaper.

9. 09

   First Job in Journalism
   His first job in journalism was as a copy boy for Time magazine in New York City.

10. 10

    The Rum Diary
    Thompson wrote "The Rum Diary" in the early 1960s, but it wasn't published until 1998. The novel is based on his experiences in Puerto Rico.

Notable Works and Achievements

Thompson's body of work is extensive and varied, showcasing his unique voice and perspective.

11. 11

    Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
    This book, published in 1967, was Thompson's first major success. It was based on his year-long immersion with the Hell's Angels motorcycle gang.

12. 12

    Rolling Stone Magazine
    Thompson was a regular contributor to Rolling Stone magazine, where many of his most famous articles were published.

13. 13

    Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72
    This book covers the 1972 presidential campaign and is considered one of the best books ever written about American politics.

14. 14

    The Great Shark Hunt
    A collection of Thompson's essays and articles, this book showcases his versatility as a writer.

15. 15

    Kingdom of Fear
    Published in 2003, this book is a mix of memoir and commentary on American society.

Personal Life and Legacy

Thompson's personal life was as colorful as his writing, filled with eccentricities and memorable moments.

16. 16

    Love for Guns
    Thompson was a gun enthusiast and owned a vast collection of firearms.

17. 17

    Drug Use
    His drug use was legendary and often featured in his writing. He believed it was an essential part of his creative process.

18. 18

    Political Views
    Thompson was a staunch critic of Richard Nixon and often wrote scathing pieces about him.

19. 19

    Marriage to Anita Bejmuk
    He married Anita Bejmuk in 2003, who remained with him until his death.

20. 20

    Suicide
    Thompson died by suicide on February 20, 2005, at the age of 67. He left a note titled "Football Season Is Over."

Cultural Impact

Thompson's influence extends beyond literature into various aspects of popular culture.

21. 21

    Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Film
    The 1998 film adaptation of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro, has become a cult classic.

22. 22

    Portrayed by Bill Murray
    Bill Murray portrayed Thompson in the 1980 film "Where the Buffalo Roam," which is based on Thompson's life and work.

23. 23

    Gonzo Journalism in Music
    Bands like U2 and artists like Bob Dylan have cited Thompson's work as an influence on their music.

24. 24

    Gonzo Fist Symbol
    The Gonzo fist, a two-thumbed fist clutching a peyote button, has become an iconic symbol associated with Thompson.

25. 25

    Hunter S. Thompson Scholarships
    Several universities offer scholarships in Thompson's name to support aspiring journalists.

Lesser-Known Facts

Even avid fans might not know these lesser-known facts about Thompson.

26. 26

    Love for Peacocks
    Thompson had a fondness for peacocks and kept several at his Colorado home.

27. 27

    Aspiring Novelist
    Before becoming a journalist, Thompson aspired to be a novelist and wrote several unpublished novels.

28. 28

    Fear and Loathing in Elko
    He wrote an article titled "Fear and Loathing in Elko" about a trip to cover a motorcycle race in Nevada.

29. 29

    The Curse of Lono
    This book, published in 1983, is a gonzo-style account of a trip to Hawaii.

30. 30

    Thompson's Typewriter
    He was known for his love of typewriters and often wrote on a red IBM Selectric.

31. 31

    Ashes Fired from a Cannon
    Per his wishes, Thompson's ashes were fired from a cannon in a ceremony funded by Johnny Depp.

32. 32

    Influence on Journalism
    Thompson's work continues to influence journalists and writers, inspiring a new generation to push the boundaries of traditional journalism.

The Legacy of Hunter S. Thompson

Hunter S. Thompson's life was a wild ride, full of adventure, controversy, and literary genius. His unique style, known as Gonzo journalism, changed the way stories were told, blending fact and fiction in a way that felt raw and real. Thompson's work, from "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" to his political writings, continues to inspire writers and readers alike. His fearless approach to journalism and his larger-than-life personality made him a cultural icon. Though he left us in 2005, his influence lives on in the countless stories and articles that bear his unmistakable mark. Thompson showed us that truth can be stranger than fiction, and sometimes, it's the crazy ones who see the world most clearly. His legacy is a testament to the power of authenticity and the enduring impact of a truly original voice.