Earl Wilson: The Trusted Voice of Broadway's Golden Age
In the glittering world of mid-century New York City, few figures were as influential yet respected as Earl Wilson. A journalist who bridged the gap between hard news and celebrity gossip, Wilson became the definitive chronicler of the Broadway scene during its most vibrant era. Known for his integrity and tireless work ethic, he transformed a simple "filler" column into a national institution.
Key Facts
- Famous Column: Wrote "It Happened Last Night," syndicated in 175 newspapers by the 1960s.
- Professional Reputation: Known as "Midnight Earl" for his late-night reporting and fair, fact-checked approach.
- Career Span: His primary column ran for 41 years, from 1942 to 1983.
- Notable Works: Authored an unauthorized biography of Frank Sinatra and revealed extramarital affairs of President John F. Kennedy.
- Education: Graduated from Ohio State University in 1931 with a B.S. in journalism.
Early Life and the Path to Journalism
Born Harvey Earl Wilson on May 3, 1907, in Rockford, Ohio, Wilson was the son of Arthur Wilson, a farmer, and Chloe Huffman Wilson. His passion for writing emerged early; he used his father's typewriter to report on school events at Central High. Encouraged by his mother to seek a career beyond farming, he began contributing to local publications including the Rockford Press, the Piqua Daily Call, and the Lima Republican Gazette, the latter of which provided his first professional payment.
Wilson's academic journey took him to Heidelberg College for two years before he transferred to Ohio State University. While there, he honed his craft at The Lantern, the student-run daily, and worked part-time for the Columbus Dispatch and the International News Service Bureau. He earned his degree in journalism in 1931.
After a brief stint with The Washington Post in 1935, Wilson moved to New York City to join the New York Post. It was during this time that he met Rosemary Lyons, a secretary from East St. Louis, whom he married in 1936. The couple faced early financial struggles before Wilson's career achieved mainstream success.
The Rise of "It Happened Last Night"
In 1942, Wilson took over a column that was originally intended as "filler" for a writer who had departed for war. What began as a minor assignment evolved into a powerhouse of entertainment news. Wilson's routine was grueling; he often worked 18-hour days, spending his mornings on the phone with sources and his nights immersed in the theater district.
A staple of his columns was the mention of his wife, Rosemary, whom he affectionately referred to as "B.W." While the initials originally stood for "Barefoot Wife," he changed the meaning to "Beautiful Wife" at her request. Together, they became fixtures of the New York nightlife, frequenting spots like Toots Shor's.
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A Different Kind of Gossip Columnist
During the 1950s, Broadway gossip columns held immense power over celebrity publicity. However, Wilson distinguished himself from his peers. Rather than relying on innuendo or sensationalism, he applied his formal journalistic training to double-check facts and treat his stories as legitimate news items. This reputation for honesty earned him the trust of the stars, who shared stories with him that they withheld from others.
Literary Contributions and Media Presence
Wilson's deep knowledge of the industry led him to author several books. The Show Business Nobody Knows (1971) drew from his years of chronicling the "Golden Age" of show business. He also wrote Show Business Laid Bare—notable for exposing the extramarital affairs of President John F. Kennedy—and Sinatra: An Unauthorized Biography. Additionally, he published a collection of his columns titled I Am Gazing Into My 8 Ball in 1948.
Beyond the printed page, "Midnight Earl" was a familiar face on screen. He hosted the DuMont TV show Stage Entrance (1951–1952) and appeared as himself in several films, including Copacabana (1947), A Face in the Crowd (1957), and Where Were You When the Lights Went Out? (1968). He also made guest appearances on game shows like Who Said That? and variety programs such as Faye Emerson's Wonderful Town.
Career Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Column | "It Happened Last Night" / "Last Nite With Earl Wilson" |
| Key Employer | New York Post |
| Syndication Peak | 175 newspapers nationwide (1960s) |
| Signature Tagline | "That's Earl, brother." |
| Major Books | Sinatra: An Unauthorized Biography; Show Business Laid Bare |
Final Years and Legacy
Earl Wilson retired from the New York Post, handing his column over to entertainment writer Martin Burden. Wilson spent his final years battling Parkinson's disease. He passed away on January 16, 1987, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Yonkers, New York, following a stroke. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary, in 1986, and survived by his son, Earl Wilson Jr., a musical theatre songwriter.
Wilson's impact on the industry was recognized by peers and successors alike. Ed Sullivan famously dedicated The Beatles' first appearance on his show to Wilson, along with Johnny Carson and Randy Paar. In 2016, his life was further immortalized when actor Christian McKay portrayed him in the film Florence Foster Jenkins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Earl Wilson's most famous column?
His most famous column was "It Happened Last Night," which ran for 41 years (1942–1983) and was syndicated in 175 newspapers at its peak in the 1960s.
How did Earl Wilson differ from other gossip columnists?
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Wilson was a trained journalist who avoided sensationalism and innuendo. He was known for double-checking his facts and treating celebrity news as legitimate reporting, which earned him the trust of the celebrities he covered.
Who was "B.W." in Earl Wilson's writing?
"B.W." was Earl's wife, Rosemary. The initials originally stood for "Barefoot Wife," but were later changed to "Beautiful Wife" at her request.
What books did Earl Wilson author?
Wilson wrote The Show Business Nobody Knows, Show Business Laid Bare, Sinatra: An Unauthorized Biography, and a collection of his columns titled I Am Gazing Into My 8 Ball.
What was Earl Wilson's nickname?
He was widely known by the nickname "Midnight Earl," reflecting his late-night lifestyle and reporting habits in the New York theater district.