“The Paris Review is maybe a spiritual hideout for George,” reflects Terry McDonnell of Sports Illustrated. I think it was a place where he could do the highest level of his work in the way he would define it.”
Watch Excerpt from Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself
George Plimpton was famous for shaping one of the country’s most prestigious literary magazines, all while keeping it fun. He encouraged his young staff and created a relaxed community with plenty of apartment parties and sports activities.
Robert Silvers of The New York Review of Books calls Plimpton the camp counselor of the literary community surrounding the review. “I think it meant a lot to him to have this kind of camp. It was a whole little world, you might say. And he was the king of it. And he was a ringmaster, you might say, of a little circus there.”
Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself premieres nationally Friday, May 16, 9-10:30 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).
