James Kirkwood, Jr. gained widespread acclaim for his role as the librettist of the iconic musical A Chorus Line. Beyond the stage, he made enduring contributions to American literature from the 1960s onward, through his novels and nonfiction. Often seen as a trailblazer, Kirkwood's work captured the evolving social norms of the sexual revolution and delved deeply into the emotional complexities of human experience.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1924 amidst the glitz of Hollywood, Kirkwood was the offspring of silent film stars. His father, James Kirkwood, Sr., juggled roles as both actor and director. Meanwhile, his mother, Lila Lee, found her acting career stymied by frequent health issues. The couple's divorce during Kirkwood's formative years marked the beginning of a turbulent childhood. Both parents faced declining careers, necessitating that Kirkwood occasionally live with an aunt until their situations improved. Consequently, his education was as unstable as his family life, with him attending eighteen different schools before completing high school.

From Actor to Writer

Kirkwood embarked on his theatrical journey as a child actor, appearing on Broadway, in touring productions, and in summer stock. Television roles also came his way, and he even partnered in a comedy duo known as Kirkwood and Goodman. Yet, acting often brought him dissatisfaction, due to its inherent uncertainties—auditions, rejections, and the dependence on others' approval. Seeking an escape from these frustrations, Kirkwood turned to writing. His debut novel, There Must Be a Pony!, published in 1961, marked his transition from actor to author. Kirkwood frequently acknowledged that his narratives, whether in novel or play form, often contained autobiographical elements.

Broadway and Literary Success

While his attempt to adapt There Must Be a Pony! for the stage never reached Broadway, Kirkwood's first true success as a playwright came with UTBU (Unhealthy to be Unpleasant) in 1965, featuring Tony Randall. He continued to build his literary repertoire with the 1968 novel Good Times/Bad Times, set within a boys' boarding school in the eastern United States. Both terrifying and tender, this novel revolves around a youth who, after enduring sexual abuse by a headmaster, exacts a horrifying vengeance. Though not a direct recounting of his own experiences, Kirkwood drew heavily on his unhappy memories from boarding school.

Nonfiction and Further Plays

Expanding his horizons, Kirkwood ventured into nonfiction with American Grotesque: An Account of the Clay Shaw-Jim Garrison Affair in the City of New Orleans in 1970. He felt that many reviewers misinterpreted his intent, mistakenly expecting revelations about the assassination of John F. Kennedy. In 1972, he crafted the provocative play P.S. Your Cat Is Dead!, which was hailed as one of the most intriguing plays of its time, challenging societal taboos around social and sexual norms. This gripping narrative was later adapted into a Broadway production by Kirkwood himself.

Exploring the Vietnam War and Musical Triumph

Kirkwood's 1975 novel Some Kind of Hero presented a poignant portrayal of Vietnam War veterans grappling with societal reintegration. This story was subsequently transformed into a screenplay in 1982. However, the pinnacle of Kirkwood's career was undoubtedly his contribution to the musical A Chorus Line. His work on the production earned him the 1976 Tony Award for best book in a musical and a Pulitzer Prize. The musical itself originated from Michael Bennett's conversations with chorus dancers about their theater lives. Kirkwood, drawing from his acting background, collaborated with Nicholas Dante to craft the award-winning libretto.

Final Years and Legacy

In his later years, Kirkwood delivered his last major theatrical work, Legends!, which offered a compelling exploration of the egos and talents of two rival aging stars. The play toured in 1986 with Mary Martin and Carol Channing taking on the lead roles. Kirkwood detailed his experiences with these legendary actresses in his final book, Diary of a Mad Playwright, offering an insider's perspective on the exhilarating but often treacherous world of American theater. Published posthumously, the book stands as a testament to Kirkwood's incisive wit and keen observational skills. James Kirkwood passed away in 1989 due to cancer in New York City, leaving behind an unfinished novel titled "I Teach Flying," a poignant reminder of the stories he had yet to tell.