Dorothy Kilgallen was born on March 3, 1913, in Chicago, Illinois. She was a renowned journalist and a familiar face on the game show What's My Line? where she served as a panelist. Her newspaper column, The Voice of Broadway, was widely syndicated, appearing in nearly 150 newspapers worldwide. Kilgallen's career in journalism spanned several decades, and she made a name for herself as a fearless and tenacious reporter.
Kilgallen began her formal education at The College of New Rochelle, but after just one year, she decided to leave to pursue a reporting job at the New York Evening Journal. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career in journalism, where she quickly made a name for herself with her sharp wit and no-nonsense approach to reporting.
One of Kilgallen's most notable achievements was her close relationship with legendary singer Frank Sinatra. However, their friendship took a sour turn, leading to Kilgallen developing a deep-seated animosity towards him. In 1956, she published a cover story titled The Frank Sinatra Story, in which she harshly criticized and disparaged him. Kilgallen's bold and controversial writing style solidified her reputation as a journalist unafraid to speak her mind.
Throughout her life, Kilgallen was married to Richard Kollmar until her untimely death in 1965. The couple shared three children together: Jill, Dickie, and Kerry. Despite her busy career, Kilgallen always made time for her family and strived to balance her personal and professional commitments.
In addition to her writing, Kilgallen also covered significant historical events, including the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy. Her insightful and incisive reporting shed light on complex and often controversial topics, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the field of journalism.
Overall, Dorothy Kilgallen's impact on the journalism world was profound and lasting. Her fearlessness, integrity, and dedication to uncovering the truth set her apart as a true pioneer in her field. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout her career, Kilgallen remained unwavering in her commitment to excellence and never shied away from confronting difficult truths. Her legacy continues to inspire journalists and writers around the world, reminding us of the importance of speaking truth to power and upholding ethical standards in the pursuit of knowledge.
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