1. Cleveland Amory was an American author, reporter, television critic, commentator and animal rights activist.
27 Facts About Cleveland Amory
1. 2.
Cleveland Amory wrote a series of popular books poking fun at the pretensions and customs of society, starting with The Proper Bostonians in 1947.
3.
In 1936, when he was 18, Cleveland Amory held a summer job as tutor and companion to 13-year-old William Zinsser, who grew up to be a notable writer and editor.
4.
Cleveland Amory was then hired by The Saturday Evening Post, where he was their youngest editor, and held that position until he left to serve in the Second World War.
5.
Cleveland Amory continued to write the column for 20 years, until 1972.
6.
Cleveland Amory agreed to ghostwrite the Duchess' autobiography, but after realizing that she wanted him to sugar-coat her life, he quickly left the project.
7.
In 1952, Cleveland Amory was hired as a commentator on the NBC morning news and talk television program Today, the first of its genre.
8.
Cleveland Amory provided a televised commentary every few weeks, usually with light humor or satire.
9.
Cleveland Amory continued as a popular commentator for eleven years until 1963, when he was fired in one of his first controversial moments relating to his views on animal rights:.
10.
In 1963, Cleveland Amory learned that the American Legion in Harmony, North Carolina, planned to sponsor a "bunny bop" rabbit killing contest.
11.
When he returned, instead of the usual lighthearted commentary expected by the Today show management, Cleveland Amory proposed, on air and during viewers' breakfast hour, the formation of a hunt club where human hunters would be tracked down and killed for sport, arguing that killing hunters in cold blood would be humane and kind owing to their overpopulation.
12.
Viewer response was overwhelmingly negative and Cleveland Amory was quickly reprimanded by NBC President Julian Goodman.
13.
Cleveland Amory's commentary drew opposition from scientists, and he was abruptly fired from the Today show with no warning.
14.
Over time, the subject matter of Cleveland Amory's published work increasingly focused on animal rights.
15.
Cleveland Amory presented a daily radio essay called "Curmudgeon at Large".
16.
In 1988, Cleveland Amory made his only feature film appearance in the role of "Mr Danforth" in the comedy-drama Mr North, starring Anthony Edwards.
17.
Cleveland Amory picked up a cushion and threw it at the bullfighter who fell to the ground.
18.
Cleveland Amory served as president of the New England Anti-Vivisection Society from 1987 until his death in 1998.
19.
In 1967, Cleveland Amory founded the Fund for Animals with a planned focus on protecting animals from hunters and creating animal sanctuaries.
20.
Cleveland Amory later fought a similar battle to prevent the killing of San Clemente Island's goats by the Department of Defense.
21.
In 1978, Cleveland Amory purchased the first oceangoing vessel for Captain Paul Watson, the founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
22.
Cleveland Amory took part in many campaigns such as the one waged by Paul Watson and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society against whaling and sealing.
23.
Cleveland Amory, who had many prominent persons and celebrities in his social circle, was noted for influencing celebrities to support animal rights.
24.
Cleveland Amory reportedly enlisted Henry Fonda, Andy Williams and Grace Kelly, and he recruited Doris Day, Angie Dickinson, and Mary Tyler Moore for his campaigns against fur clothing.
25.
Cleveland Amory enjoyed playing chess and was a member of the New York Athletic Club.
26.
Cleveland Amory was cremated and his ashes were spread across Black Beauty Ranch by his favorite burro, named Friendly.
27.
Cleveland Amory was inducted into the US Animal Rights Hall of Fame in 2000, for his dedicated work on behalf of animals.