← Back to explore

David McCullough

Acting

Born July 7, 1933

Died August 7, 2022

Biography

David Gaub McCullough (July 7, 1933 – August 7, 2022) was an American popular historian. He was a two-time winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. In 2006, he was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian award. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, McCullough earned a degree in English literature from Yale University. His first book was The Johnstown Flood (1968), and he wrote nine more on such topics as Harry S. Truman, John Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Panama Canal, and the Wright brothers. McCullough also narrated numerous documentaries, such as The Civil War by Ken Burns, as well as the 2003 film Seabiscuit, and he hosted the PBS television documentary series American Experience for twelve years. McCullough's two Pulitzer Prize–winning books—Truman and John Adams.—were adapted by HBO into a TV film and a miniseries, respectively.

Awards & recognition

  • Ken Burns American Heritage Prize · 2017
  • Newberry Library Award · 2013
  • Presidential Medal of Freedom · 2006
  • Jefferson Lecture · 2003
  • Pulitzer PrizeBiography · 2002
Show all 26 awards →
  • Carl Sandburg Literary Award · 2000
  • honorary doctor of the University of Miami · 1996
  • Charles Frankel Prize · 1995
  • Helmerich Award · 1995
  • National Book Award · 1995
  • Francis Parkman Prize · 1993
  • Pulitzer PrizeBiography · 1993
  • St. Louis Literary Award · 1993
  • Lionel Gelber Prize · 1992
  • Guggenheim Fellowship · 1986
  • National Book Award · 1982
  • Francis Parkman Prize · 1978
  • National Book Award · 1978
  • Christopher Award
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
  • honorary doctor of the Northeastern University
  • honorary doctorate from Brown University
  • Library of Congress Living Legend
  • National Humanities Medal
  • National Book AwardNonfiction · 1992 · nominated
  • Pulitzer PrizeBiography · 1982 · nominated

Filmography17 titles