Tragic death of Truman Capote: Inside the booze-soaked and lonely last years of a writer once the toast of NYC society
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Truman Capote died on August 25, 1984, due to an overdose of Valium, codeine, and barbiturates, according to a report by Entertainment Weekly.
FX's newest series, 'Feud: Capote vs the Swans' explores the relationship between American novelist Truman Capote and his 'Swans', some of the richest and most beautiful women of New York high society.
The series depicts how Capote was cast out after he allegedly 'betrayed' his closest friends by writing scandalous excerpts that exposed their private lives.
The rise and fall of Truman Capote
Truman Capote had a lonely childhood after his parents were divorced when he was only two years old. He found solace in writing which eventually turned into a life-long passion and profession.
His literary pieces were published in esteemed magazines, including The Atlantic Monthly, Harper’s Bazaar, Harper’s Magazine, Mademoiselle, and The New Yorker. Additionally, he also penned classic novels and essays, ranging from 'Other Voices, Other Rooms,' 'The Grass Harp' and 'Breakfast at Tiffany’s.'
With increasing popularity, Capote made his way into America's high society, forming close friendships with rich women including Nancy 'Slim' Keith and Barbara 'Babe' Paley (former Vogue editor and wife of CBS founder William S Paley).
While working on his magnum opus, 'Answered Prayers,' he published a chapter titled 'La Côte Basque 1965' in Esquire magazine where he narrated the story of a character based on William Paley having an affair with the governor's wife, all while attempting to conceal it from his wife.
Babe Paley, his favorite 'Swan' severed all ties with him and vowed never to speak to him again.
Truman Capote died due to substance abuse
Capote struggled to understand the nature of his betrayal and the reasons behind his wealthy friends distancing themself from him. The loneliness drove him to excessive consumption of cocaine and alcohol, resulting in seizures, collapses, and public drunkenness, as per PBS.
His health kept deteriorating due to substance abuse including cocaine, alcohol, tranquilizers, and marijuana. He also suffered from emphysema, a lung disease caused by smoking.
Truman Capote died in his sleep on August 25, 1984. He was 59. According to StyleCaster, his death certificate attributed the cause of his death as 'liver disease complicated by phlebitis and multiple drug intoxication.”
His role is reprised by Tom Hollander in 'Feud: Capote vs The Swans' on FX.
