Oscar Wilde
1854–1900 (age 46)
Writer, Playwright
Biography
Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet, playwright, and author who became one of the most celebrated literary figures of the late Victorian era. Born in Dublin in 1854, he achieved international acclaim for his witty and sophisticated works, including the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and the comedies The Importance of Being Earnest and An Ideal Husband. His brilliant dialogue and paradoxical observations on society, morality, and aesthetics continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Wilde's life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. His career reached its zenith in the 1890s, but his conviction for gross indecency in 1895 led to imprisonment and exile. He spent his final years in Paris under an assumed name, where he died in 1900 at the age of 46. Despite the circumstances of his downfall, Wilde's legacy endures as a testament to his extraordinary talent and the enduring power of his artistic vision.