McAlister, David Barry is admired by millions of readers as one of the few authors who can use wit so deftly that even his harshest detractors laugh. His clean and sharp wit has continued to enthral modern readers, whether it’s exploding fishes, dogs devoid of intelligence, flaming pop-tarts or Barbie dolls, long acronyms, or low-flow toilets. He uses parodies to hide serious issues, and he is the punchline of his own jokes. He thoroughly enjoys taking frequent digs at South Florida and everything Floridian, from nuances in talk and behavior to incompetent authorities and ineffective laws. Fans enjoy his wisecracks and commentary, and they are drawn to his works’ offbeat humour. He’s mastered the art of incorporating a running gag into his novels while making it seem like a private joke between himself and his reader. This prolific author has written a number of comedic novels as well as several books on humour and parody. 23 works of nonfiction, eight collected columns, 14 works of fiction, four film adaptations, countless collaborations, and a few audio recordings are among his published works. His sense of humour, now in his fourth decade of writing, shows no signs of waning.
Childhood and Adolescence
Dave Barry is the son of Presbyterian minister David Barry. He attended Harold C. Crittenden Junior High School and Wampus Elementary School.
Later, he enrolled at Pleasantville High School. He graduated from Haverford College with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1969.
Career of David
He began reporting on civic and government issues for the ‘Daily Local News’ in West Chester in 1971 as a general assignment reporter. He was appointed as the city editor a few years later. Around this time, he began writing humour columns and developing his own writing style.
He joined Burger Associates, where he taught effective business writing, after a brief stint as a copy editor at the Associated Press’ Philadelphia bureau.
In 1981, his humour in a guest column for the Philadelphia Inquirer earned him a regular spot on ‘Tropic,’ the Sunday magazine of ‘The Miami Herald.’ The column was quickly syndicated across the country.
The annual ‘Tropic Hunt,’ started by Barry and other editors at the ‘Tropic,’ began in 1984. ‘Babies and Other Sex Hazards’ was published the same year.
He also formed the ‘Urban Professionals,’ a band that performed the ‘Tupperware Song’ at Tupperware’s corporate headquarters in Florida.
He formed the rock band ‘Rock Bottom Remainders’ in 1992, with an impressive lineup of published authors who could barely sing but were incredibly loud.
Between 1993 and 1997, the CBS sitcom ‘Dave’s World,’ based on his books ‘Dave Barry Turns 40’ and ‘Dave Barry’s Greatest Hits,’ had a successful run.
In 1998, he co-wrote ‘Naked Came the Manatee’ with Carl Hiaasen, Elmore Leonard, James W. Hall, Edna Buchanan, Les Standiford, and others.
His first novel, ‘Big Trouble,’ was published in 1999, and it was about smuggling a nuclear weapon onto an airplane. Three years later, the film adaptation was released.
He visited ‘Grand Forks’ in 2002 for the dedication of a sewage pumping station named after him. This was in response to his column in which he mocked ‘Grand Forks’ as one of the ‘Grand Cities.’
His regular column was suspended in 2005, but the film adaptation of ‘Dave Barry’s Complete Guide to Guys’ was released the same year.
He released ‘Dave Barry’s Book of Bad Songs’ in 1997, followed by ‘Big Trouble’ a few years later. Between 2004 and 2011, he published several books based on the famous character of ‘Peter Pan,’ including Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, Peter and the Sword of Mercy, and Peter and the Bridge to Neverland.
In May 2012, a Disney adaptation of his novel, ‘Peter and the Starcatchers,’ was announced.
Major Projects of David
In the ‘Rock Bottom Remainders,’ he sang alongside Stephen King, Amy Tan, Al Kooper, Warren Zevon, and Roger McGuinn. The band’s tour album, ‘Mid-Life Confidential: The Rock Bottom Remainders Tour America with Three Chords and an Attitude,’ was a best-seller.
His collaboration with Ridley Pearson on prequels to J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan stories, such as ‘Peter and the Starcatchers,’ ‘Peter and the Secret of Rundoon,’ and ‘The Bridge to Never Land,’ earned him great fame and recognition.
Achievements & Awards
He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for his “effective use of humor… presenting fresh insights into serious concerns.”
Two of his articles have appeared in the anthology ‘Best American Sportswriting.’
The ‘New York Times Best Seller List’ has included ‘Dave Barry Turns 40,’ ‘Dave Barry Talks Back,’ and ‘Dave Barry’s Greatest Hits.’
Personal History and Legacy
He married Ann Shelnutt, but the marriage ended in divorce. In 1976, he married Beth Lenox. Robert, the couple’s son, was born. In 1993, Beth and Barry divorced.
He is currently married to Michelle Kaufman, a Miami Herald sports writer. In the year 2000, their daughter Sophie was born.
This illustrious author has not only contributed to the Libertarian Party’s national newsletter, but has also used the platform to stage several mock presidential campaigns.
Estimated Net Worth
As of February 25, 2020, David W Barry’s net worth is estimated to be at least $1.93 million dollars. Mr. Barry owns over 550 Viad stock units worth over $720,077, and he has sold VVI stock worth over $0. in the last six years. In addition, as President – Pursuit at Viad, he earns $1,214,280.
Trivia
This humorist registered as a religious conscientious objector to the Vietnam War in order to avoid military service because he was the son of a minister and alumnus of a Quaker-affiliated college.
The film adaptation of this author’s debut novel, Big Trouble, was scheduled to be released in September 2001, but was postponed due to the 9/11 attacks.