Timothy Findley

October 30, 1930 - June 21, 2002)

"My father was an alcoholic, my brother was an alcoholic, I'm a homosexual; how about that for the men in your life?"
- Timothy Findley

For Timothy Irving Frederick Findley, art has been the passion that has sustained and consumed him for the past 50 years. This beloved and acclaimed author of nine novels has achieved overwhelming success by remaining true to his own vision. Findley's latest novel, entitled Pilgrim, chronicles the tumultuous journey of a man cursed with the dubious gift of eternal life. The Life & Times of Timothy Findley takes a candid look at the private person behind the famous words.

With insight from longtime partner Bill Whitehead and a diverse array of friends, including Margaret Atwood, Janet Reid and Martha Henry, Life & Times traces Findley's life from privileged childhood in Toronto's exclusive Rosedale neighbourhood in the 1930s to years of struggling with alcohol abuse to astonishing success as a writer.

Before discovering his talent for writing, Findley mastered various careers in the arts. As a teenager, he wanted to be a dancer but soon realized his back would not allow it; he then turned to acting. In 1953, at 22 years of age, Findley participated in the very first season of the Stratford Shakespearean Festival under the guiding hand of Tyrone Guthrie. After meeting and being encouraged by legendary actor Alec Guinness, Findley decided to attend England's prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama.

Working with Guthrie again in London, he met actress Ruth Gordon, who deemed him a writer after reading his first story and introduced him to playwright Thornton Wilder. Wilder would become Findley's writing mentor. From London, Findley moved to Hollywood to keep writing - with disappointing results. In 1958, he finally decided to come home and quickly landed the lead in Sanctuary, a CBC-TV drama opposite actress Janet Reid, whom he would later marry. Their marriage was annulled.

"She didn't want to discuss it. She didn't want to discuss my homosexuality," says Findley. "I loved Janet. I really loved her and I wanted to be with her and I wanted children; so did she."

In 1962, Findley went to work at The Red Barn Theatre where he met Bill Whitehead. This professional/personal relationship has continued to thrive for 38 years.

Findley's novel The Piano Man's Daughter is currently in film production via actor/producer Whoopi Goldberg. Determined to balance his success with generosity, Findley is an active member of PEN International - a group that champions imprisoned writers.

Timothy Findley died in his sleep on June 20, 2002 at a hospital in France. He was 71.

S O U R C E :
The CBC




	Timothy Findley October 30, 1930 - June 21, 2002) "My father was an alcoholic, my brother was an alcoholic, I'm a homosexual; how about that for the men in your life?" - Timothy Findley For Timothy Irving Frederick Findley, art has been the passion that has sustained and consumed him for the past 50 years. This beloved and acclaimed author of nine novels has achieved overwhelming success by remaining true to his own vision. Findley's latest novel, entitled Pilgrim, chronicles the tumultuous journey of a man cursed with the dubious gift of eternal life. The Life & Times of Timothy Findley takes a candid look at the private person behind the famous words. With insight from longtime partner Bill Whitehead and a diverse array of friends, including Margaret Atwood, Janet Reid and Martha Henry, Life & Times traces Findley's life from privileged childhood in Toronto's exclusive Rosedale neighbourhood in the 1930s to years of struggling with alcohol abuse to astonishing success as a writer. Before discovering his talent for writing, Findley mastered various careers in the arts. As a teenager, he wanted to be a dancer but soon realized his back would not allow it; he then turned to acting. In 1953, at 22 years of age, Findley participated in the very first season of the Stratford Shakespearean Festival under the guiding hand of Tyrone Guthrie. After meeting and being encouraged by legendary actor Alec Guinness, Findley decided to attend England's prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama. Working with Guthrie again in London, he met actress Ruth Gordon, who deemed him a writer after reading his first story and introduced him to playwright Thornton Wilder. Wilder would become Findley's writing mentor. From London, Findley moved to Hollywood to keep writing - with disappointing results. In 1958, he finally decided to come home and quickly landed the lead in Sanctuary, a CBC-TV drama opposite actress Janet Reid, whom he would later marry. Their marriage was annulled. "She didn't want to discuss it. She didn't want to discuss my homosexuality," says Findley. "I loved Janet. I really loved her and I wanted to be with her and I wanted children; so did she." In 1962, Findley went to work at The Red Barn Theatre where he met Bill Whitehead. This professional/personal relationship has continued to thrive for 38 years. Findley's novel The Piano Man's Daughter is currently in film production via actor/producer Whoopi Goldberg. Determined to balance his success with generosity, Findley is an active member of PEN International - a group that champions imprisoned writers. Timothy Findley died in his sleep on June 20, 2002 at a hospital in France. He was 71. S O U R C E : The CBC