William Shawn was born as William Chon on August 31, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest of five children born to Benjamin T. Chon, a cutlery salesman, and Anna Bransky Chon.
Shawn attended the University of Michigan but dropped out after two years in 1927. Following his departure from college, he began working as a reporter for The Optic, a newspaper located in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
In 1932, Shawn and his wife Cecille relocated to New York City, where he attempted to pursue a career as a composer. However, it was his wife who ultimately found work as a fact checker at The New Yorker, a position that would profoundly impact the course of Shawn's life.
Shawn joined The New Yorker in 1933, shortly after his wife's employment there. Initially taking on a minor role, he eventually rose through the ranks to become the editor of the magazine in 1952. He held this position until his retirement in 1987, after an illustrious 53-year career with the publication.
As editor of The New Yorker, Shawn worked with numerous significant authors, including J.D. Salinger, John Hersey, Lillian Ross, and Hannah Arendt. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to upholding the magazine's reputation for journalistic excellence.
William Shawn married Cecille, and the couple had three children together. One of their children, Wallace Shawn, would go on to achieve acclaim as a writer and actor in his own right.
William Shawn's legacy is one of unparalleled influence in the world of journalism. His tenure at The New Yorker saw the publication rise to new heights of literary and artistic achievement, solidifying its reputation as a cultural touchstone. His dedication to the craft of editing and commitment to quality journalism have left an indelible mark on the industry.
William Shawn passed away in December 1992, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire writers, editors, and journalists to this day.