35 Facts About Lee Israel

Lee Israel: The Infamous Forger

Lee Israel was a biographer who turned to literary forgery when her career hit a rough patch. Her story is both fascinating and cautionary.

1. Lee Israel was born on December 3, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in a Jewish family and attended Midwood High School.

2. She graduated from Brooklyn College in 1961. Israel earned a degree in speech, which later helped her in her writing career.

3. Her first book was a biography of actress Tallulah Bankhead. Published in 1972, it received positive reviews and established her as a talented biographer.

4. Lee Israel also wrote a biography of Dorothy Kilgallen. This 1979 book was about the journalist and television personality, adding another success to her resume.

5. Her third biography was about cosmetics tycoon Estée Lauder. Published in 1985, it was less successful and marked the beginning of her career decline.

The Descent into Forgery

When her writing career faltered, Israel turned to a life of crime, forging letters from famous literary figures.

6. She began forging letters in the early 1990s. Israel created fake letters from famous writers and actors, selling them to collectors and dealers.

7. Her first forgery was a letter from Dorothy Parker. This initial success led her to forge letters from other literary icons.

8. Israel forged letters from Noël Coward, Lillian Hellman, and Edna Ferber. These forgeries were convincing enough to fool many experts.

9. She used vintage typewriters to make her forgeries look authentic. Israel went to great lengths to ensure her letters appeared genuine.

10. Lee Israel sold her forgeries for hundreds of dollars each. The money helped her pay bills and maintain her lifestyle.

The Downfall

Eventually, her forgeries were discovered, leading to her arrest and conviction.

11. A suspicious dealer alerted the FBI. This dealer noticed inconsistencies in the letters and reported them.

12. The FBI set up a sting operation to catch Israel. They used undercover agents to purchase forged letters from her.

13. Lee Israel was arrested in 1993. She was charged with conspiracy to transport stolen property and forgery.

14. She pleaded guilty to the charges. Israel admitted to her crimes and cooperated with authorities.

15. Israel was sentenced to six months house arrest and five years probation. She also had to attend alcohol rehabilitation and perform community service.

Life After Crime

After her conviction, Israel struggled to rebuild her life and career.

16. She wrote a memoir about her forgery career. Titled "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", it was published in 2008.

17. The memoir received critical acclaim. Critics praised her honesty and the book's dark humor.

18. A film adaptation of her memoir was released in 2018. Melissa McCarthy starred as Lee Israel, earning an Academy Award nomination for her performance.

19. Israel continued to write after her conviction. She contributed articles to various publications but never regained her former success.

20. She lived in relative obscurity until her death. Israel passed away on December 24, 2014, in New York City.

The Legacy of Lee Israel

Despite her criminal activities, Israel's story remains a compelling tale of desperation and talent.

21. Her forgeries are now considered collectible items. Some collectors seek out her forged letters as unique pieces of literary history.

22. Lee Israel's story has inspired other writers. Her life and crimes have been the subject of numerous articles and books.

23. She is remembered for her wit and intelligence. Even those who condemn her actions acknowledge her talent.

24. Israel's memoir has become a cult classic. "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" continues to be read and appreciated by new audiences.

25. Her story raises questions about authenticity and value in literature. Israel's forgeries challenge our understanding of what makes a piece of writing valuable.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts about Lee Israel that add more depth to her intriguing life.

26. She once worked as a freelance editor. Before her forgery career, Israel edited manuscripts for other writers.

27. Israel was known for her sharp tongue. Friends and colleagues often described her as witty but abrasive.

28. She had a deep love for cats. Israel's affection for her pets is mentioned frequently in her memoir.

29. Lee Israel was a heavy drinker. Her alcohol consumption contributed to her financial and personal troubles.

30. She never married or had children. Israel lived alone for most of her life, relying on a small circle of friends.

31. Israel was a fan of classic films. She often referenced old movies in her forged letters.

32. She once considered forging paintings. Israel briefly entertained the idea of creating fake artworks but decided against it.

33. Her forgeries fooled many experts. Even seasoned collectors and scholars were taken in by her convincing fakes.

34. Israel's story has been compared to that of other famous forgers. Her life shares similarities with figures like Clifford Irving and Mark Hofmann.

35. She remains a controversial figure. Some view her as a criminal, while others see her as a misunderstood artist.

Lee Israel's Legacy

Lee Israel's life was a rollercoaster of talent, deception, and redemption. Known for her literary forgeries, she managed to fool many with her meticulous attention to detail. Her story, though filled with controversy, also highlights the struggles of a writer trying to make ends meet. Israel's actions were illegal, but they also shed light on the pressures faced by authors in a competitive industry. Her later years, marked by the memoir "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", offered a candid look into her life and choices. This book, later adapted into a film, brought her story to a wider audience, sparking discussions about ethics and forgiveness. Lee Israel remains a complex figure, remembered for both her literary skills and her infamous forgeries. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the fine line between genius and deception.