Truman Capote’s Death – Cause and Date
The novelist Truman Capote died at the age of 59. Here is all you want to know, and more!
Biography - A Short Wiki
Eccentric author best known for his novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s and his nonfiction novel In Cold Blood. His other literary works include The Grass Harp and the O. Henry Award-winning short story, Shut a Final Door.
He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Lillie Mae Faulk and Archulus Persons. His birth name was Truman Streckfus Persons. In his adulthood, he had a long-term relationship with playwright and novelist Jack Dunphy.
How did Truman Capote Die?
Truman Capote passed away in his sleep on August 25, 1984, at the age of 59. The official cause of death, as stated on his death certificate, was attributed to “liver disease complicated by phlebitis and multiple drug intoxication.”
The acclaimed novelist’s health had been in decline due to liver disease, exacerbated by a leg infection and complicated by emphysema—a lung condition resulting from smoking. Toxicological findings revealed that Capote had consumed prescribed medications for sleep, anxiety, leg pains, and epileptic seizures. Notably, no alcohol was detected, and while the drug levels were contributory, they were not lethal and indicated regular usage consistent with his medical history.
Capote’s final moments occurred in the Bel Air residence of his close friend Joanne Carson, the former wife of The Tonight Show host Johnny Carson.
Gore Vidal, a longstanding literary rival, controversially remarked that Capote’s death was a “wise career move.”
Where is Truman Capote buried?
Following Truman Capote’s passing, he was cremated, and his ashes were reportedly divided between Joanne Carson and his partner, the novelist Jack Dunphy.
It is said that Carson chose to keep the urn containing Capote’s ashes in the room where he had passed away.
Quotes
""Love, having no geography, knows no boundaries."
""Life is a moderately good play with a badly written third act."
""The quietness of his tone italicized the malice of his reply."
""Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself."
""I got this idea of doing a really serious big work-it would be precisely like a novel, with a single difference: Every word of it would be true from beginning to end."