Graham Greene died at age 86. He was born on 2 October 1904 in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England, and died on 3 April 1991 in Vevey, Switzerland. The calculation from his date of birth to his date of death confirms he was 86 years old. This entry outlines his lifespan, corroborating sources, and relevant biographical context to clarify his age at death.
Key Dates and Age at Death
The straightforward answer to how old Graham Greene was when he died comes from his documented birth and death dates. His lifespan, measured in years, aligns with well-established records from authoritative biographies and library catalogs. The following table summarizes the core dates and age at death for quick reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 2 October 1904 | Biographical registries |
| Date of Death | 3 April 1991 | Obituaries and library catalogs |
| Age at Death | 86 years | Calculated from above dates |
| Place of Death | Vevey, Switzerland | Reliable biographies |
Biographical Context and Career Highlights
Born in Berkhamsted, England, Greene attended Berkhamsted School and later studied at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. He worked as a journalist and diplomat before becoming a renowned novelist. His works explore themes of morality, faith, and colonialism. Notable novels include “The Quiet American,” “The End of the Affair,” and “Brighton Rock.” His conversion to Catholicism influenced much of his writing. He was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Order of Merit.
Notable Works and Years
- “The Quiet American” (1955)
- “The End of the Affair” (1951)
- “Brighton Rock” (1938)
- “The Comedians” (1966)
Sources and Verification
Multiple authoritative sources confirm Greene’s dates. Major obituaries, encyclopedic references, and library catalogs consistently list 1904–1991. Cross-referencing these records supports the conclusion that he was 86 at the time of his death. Reliable databases such as the Library of Congress and Oxford Dictionary of National Biography provide corroboration.
Clarifying Misinformation
There are occasional confusions regarding Greene’’s age, particularly when approximations or rounded birth years appear in less precise summaries. However, primary documents confirm the exact years. No reputable source disputes the 1904–1991 timeline. This clarity helps avoid misunderstandings about his age and historical context.
Comparison with Contemporaries
Comparing Greene’s lifespan to other major 20th-century novelists shows he lived a full life, reaching his mid-80s. The table below contrasts his age at death with peers to illustrate this longevity within his literary cohort.
| Author | Date of Birth | Date of Death | Age at Death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Greene | 1904 | 1991 | 86 |
| George Orwell | 1903 | 1950 | 46 |
| Anthony Burgess | 1917 | 1993 | 76 |
| William Golding | 1911 | 1993 | 81 |
Legacy and Influence
Graham Greene’s works remain staples in literature curricula and continue to inspire film and television adaptations. His nuanced treatment of political and spiritual conflict ensures his relevance. The enduring popularity of his novels affirms his status as a major figure in English literature. His age at death, 86, situates him among the longer-lived chroniclers of his era.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Graham Greene born? He was born on 2 October 1904.
- When did Graham Greene die? He died on 3 April 1991.
- How old was Graham Greene when he died? He was 86 years old at the time of his death.
- Where did Graham Greene die? He died in Vevey, Switzerland.
- Did Greene’s age affect his literary output? He remained engaged with writing and journalism well into his later years, producing notable work into old age.