Rex Stout was born on December 1, 1886, in Noblesville, Indiana. He showed an interest in writing from a young age and attended Topeka High School in Kansas. After graduating, Stout briefly attended the University of Kansas before dropping out to pursue a career in writing.
At the age of 19, Stout enlisted in the Navy and served for a few years before being honorably discharged. During his time in the Navy, he was responsible for maintaining the President's private yacht, where he gained valuable experiences that would later influence his writing.
In the early 1910s, Stout began his writing career by publishing stories in pulp magazines, which were popular at the time. He quickly gained recognition for his unique storytelling style and intricate plots. His early works laid the foundation for his later success as a mystery author.
Stout's most famous works revolve around Detective Nero Wolfe and his trusty assistant, Archie Goodwin. The dynamic duo featured in over forty novels and became beloved by readers around the world. In addition to the Nero Wolfe series, Stout also wrote the Tecumseh Fox mysteries and numerous short stories, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
In 1916, Stout married Fay Kennedy, with whom he had a son. However, the marriage ended in divorce, leading Stout to marry his second wife, Pola Weinbach Hoffmann, in 1932. The couple remained together until Stout's passing, proving to be a source of love and support throughout his life.
Rex Stout's contributions to the mystery genre were unparalleled, earning him numerous accolades and awards. He served as the President of the Mystery Writers of America association, where he made significant contributions to the literary community.
Despite his success, Stout faced scrutiny from the government due to his suspected communist sympathies. J. Edgar Hoover kept him under surveillance, highlighting the political tensions of the time and the impact they had on artists and writers.
As Stout grew older, he continued to write and captivate audiences with his thrilling mysteries. However, in his later years, he battled health issues that eventually led to his passing on October 27, 1975.
Although he is no longer with us, Rex Stout's legacy lives on through his timeless works and enduring characters. His impact on the mystery genre is undeniable, cementing his status as one of the greatest authors of his time.