Fran Lebowitz is an American writer, public speaker, and cultural critic known for her sharp, humorous commentary on New York City life and modern society. She is best known for her essay collections Metropolitan Life (1978) and Social Studies (1981), which established her reputation for dry, sardonic observations.

Background

Fran Lebowitz (full name Frances Ann Lebowitz) was born on October 27, 1950, in Morristown, New Jersey. She moved to New York City in 1969, working various jobs—including taxi driver and cleaner—before establishing herself as a writer.

Career and Works

Lebowitz first gained attention writing columns for Andy Warhol’s magazine Interview and later for Mademoiselle. Her early success came from the bestselling essay collections Metropolitan Life and Social Studies , later combined in The Fran Lebowitz Reader.

Public Persona and Media

Because of long-term writer’s block, much of her later fame comes from public speaking, interviews, and appearances rather than new books. She has been the focus of two Martin Scorsese projects—the HBO documentary Public Speaking and the Netflix series Pretend It’s a City —which highlight her views on culture, politics, and city life.

Other Activities

Lebowitz has appeared on screen as both herself and as an actress, including a recurring role as a judge on Law & Order and a small role in The Wolf of Wall Street. She is also widely noted as a quintessential New York wit and social commentator, often compared to earlier American humorists for her caustic, urbane style.