Clifford Irving was born on May 5, 1930, in New York City. He grew up in the bustling metropolis, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city. As a young man, Irving was drawn to the world of literature and writing.
After graduating from high school, Irving went on to attend Cornell University. He earned a degree in English, honing his writing skills and immersing himself in the world of storytelling. It was during his time at Cornell that Irving's passion for writing truly blossomed.
After completing his education, Irving landed a job as a copy boy at The New York Times. It was here that he gained valuable experience in the world of journalism, honing his craft and developing his unique voice as a writer. Irving's time at The New York Times laid the foundation for his future career as an author and investigative reporter.
Irving's writing career took off with the publication of his first novel, "On a Darkling Plain," in 1956. This work was followed by "The Losers" in 1958 and "The Valley" in 1960. Irving's novels garnered critical acclaim and established him as a talented and imaginative storyteller.
However, Irving's most infamous work was his fabricated autobiography of Howard Hughes. This audacious act led to a lawsuit by Hughes himself and landed Irving in hot water. He ultimately served a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for his deception.
Despite his legal troubles, Irving found solace in his personal life. He was married to model Fay Brooke and the couple had a son together. Despite the challenges he faced in his professional life, Irving's family provided him with love and support.
Irving's life story was ultimately immortalized on the big screen in the 2007 film "Hoax," starring Richard Gere and Alfred Molina. The film chronicled Irving's controversial actions and the fallout that ensued.
Clifford Irving's life was a whirlwind of highs and lows, success and scandal. Despite the setbacks he faced, Irving's talent as a writer and storyteller shone through. His legacy serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of deception and the power of storytelling.