Allen Ginsberg was an American poet and actor who is best known for his poem “Howl,” his contributions to the Beat Generation, and his influence on counterculture. He was a prominent figure in the poetry world and a leading voice against war and social injustice.
Personal and Family Life
Born on June 3, 1926, in Newark, New Jersey, Irwin Allen Ginsberg came from a diverse family. His father, Louis Ginsberg, was a moderate Jewish Socialist, while his mother, Naomi, was a radical Communist. Ginsberg’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping his thoughts and values, leading him to explore themes of politics, drug use, and spirituality in his work.
Education and Career
Ginsberg attended Columbia University, where he befriended fellow writers like Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs. His poem “Howl” became a defining work of the Beat Generation, apart from sparking debates about censorship and freedom of expression. Ginsberg also ventured into acting, appearing in various films and documentaries throughout his career.
Death and Legacy
Allen Ginsberg passed away on April 5, 1997, in Manhattan, New York City, due to liver cancer. His legacy endures through his influential poetry and activism, inspiring countless writers and artists. Ginsberg’s work continues to resonate with themes of social justice, personal freedom, and the exploration of consciousness.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Chappaqua | 1966-08-30 | Messiah |
| Berkeley in the Sixties | 1990-04-23 | Self |
| Howl | 2010-08-26 | Himself |
| Pull My Daisy | 1959-11-11 | Alan |
| Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell | 2008-09-26 | Self (archive footage) |
| Tonite Let’s All Make Love in London | 1967-09-26 | Himself |
| Let It Come Down: The Life of Paul Bowles | 1999-04-01 | Himself |
| Crazy Wisdom: The Life and Times of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche | 2011-11-25 | |
| Norman Mailer: The American | 2012-05-18 | Self |
| ChickenHawk | 1994-01-01 | Himself |