Earl Wilson was born on March 3, 1907, in Columbus, Ohio. He was the only child of his parents, who instilled in him a love for writing and storytelling from a young age. Wilson excelled in school and was known for his sharp wit and keen observation skills, which would later serve him well in his career as a journalist.
After graduating from high school, Wilson attended Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 1931. Armed with his degree, he set out to make a name for himself in the world of journalism. His big break came in 1942 when he began writing a column for the New York Post, which quickly gained popularity for its humorous and incisive take on New York City's social scene.
Wilson's column, titled It Happened Last Night, was syndicated in newspapers across the country, earning him a wide readership and solidifying his reputation as a top entertainment journalist. In 1971, he published his book The Show Business Nobody Knows, which offered a behind-the-scenes look at the Broadway scene of the time. The book was a hit and further cemented Wilson's status as a leading authority on show business.
Wilson was married and had one son, Earl Wilson Jr., who would later follow in his father's footsteps and become a successful musical theatre writer. Despite his busy career, Wilson was known for being a devoted family man and always made time for his loved ones.
In addition to his work as a journalist and author, Wilson also dabbled in acting, appearing in several films as himself. His most notable roles include appearances in Copacabana and A Face in the Crowd, where he played a version of himself reporting on the glamorous world of show business.
Wilson was not one to shy away from controversy, as evidenced by his unauthorized biography of Frank Sinatra, which caused a stir in the entertainment industry. Despite the backlash, Wilson stood by his work and continued to report on the latest happenings in show business until his retirement.
Earl Wilson passed away on January 16, 1987, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazing journalist and a beloved figure in the entertainment world.