Kurt Andersen is author of the novel Turn of the Century (Random House, 1999; Delta, 2000), a New York Times Notable Book of 1999 that Times reviewers called "wickedly satirical" and "outrageously funny" and "the most un-clichéd novel imaginable," and that The Wall Street Journal called a "smart, funny and excruciatingly deft portrait of our age." He is now at work on his second novel.
Kurt Andersen began his career in journalism at Time, where he was an award-winning writer on national affairs and criminal justice, and then for eight years the magazine's architecture and design critic. Returning to Time in 1993 as editor-at-large, he wrote a weekly column on entertainment and media, and from 1996 through 1999 he was a cultural columnist for The New Yorker. His journalism and essays have also appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic Monthly, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and Architectural Record, among other publications.
Andersen was a co-founder of Inside.com, and editor-in-chief of both New York and Spy magazines, the latter of which he co-founded.
He is also the author of The Real Thing, a book of humorous essays. He has produced prime-time network television programs and pilots for NBC and ABC, and co-authored Loose Lips, an off-Broadway theatrical revue that had long runs in New York and Los Angeles.
Kurt Andersen graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Pratt Institute and of the exhibition committee of the National Design Museum. He lives with his wife and daughters in New York City.
Kurt Andersen on KCRW
More from KCRW
Weekend film reviews: ‘Blue Beetle,’ ‘Strays’
EntertainmentThe latest film releases include “Blue Beetle” and “Strays.”
Wes Anderson, Lionel Boyce, and Jason Segel on The Treat
EntertainmentWest Anderson on “Asteroid City,” Lionel Boyce on “The Bear,” and Jason Segel on his high school acting coach
The Liberal Darling That Wasn’t: UC Berkeley’s Troubled Past
NationalThe University of California at Berkeley is widely considered one of the most progressive and historically transformative universities in not only the United States, but the world.
‘Telemarketers’ unpacks systemic scamming, CNN gets a new CEO
EntertainmentFirst, Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav hires former New York Times executive Mark Thompson to head CNN.
John Waters wants to make you feel good about yourself
EntertainmentJohn Waters talks about his exhibit at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and his boundary-pushing films.
Ticketless Taylor Swift fans still party outside SoFi for Eras Tour
MusicOutside SoFi stadium, fans who didn’t have tickets to Taylor Swift’s concert still find a way to sing, dance, and exchange friendship bracelets.
Republicans jockey for 2nd place in 1st primary debate
PoliticsOn Wednesday’s primary debate, who stood out as a legitimate challenger to Donald Trump? Plus, was President Biden’s Maui disaster response adequate?
Roddy Bogawa on Syd Barrett, Sam Pollard on ‘The League,’ and Maggie Bullock on The Treat
EntertainmentRoddy Bogawa talks Syd Barret’s influence, Sam Pollard explores the history of ‘The League,’ and Maggie Bullock gives us “The Treat.”
Shifting voting trends: Trouble or opportunity?
PoliticsA crucial voting bloc received plenty of attention in early polling. Will either party be able to take advantage of recent shifts in political alignment?