Dave Barry

David McAlister Barry, an American author and humorist, was born in Armonk, New York, in 1947. He gained fame as a Miami Herald columnist, with his column first appearing in the newspaper in 1983. His witty and humorous writing quickly gained popularity and was syndicated in over 500 newspapers in the United States and abroad by 1985. Barry's exceptional work was recognized in 1988 when he won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. Many of his individual articles were compiled and published in his books, which have been widely read and appreciated.

Barry's writing career began in high school, where he contributed humor pieces to the school newspaper and was elected class clown at Pleasantville High School in 1965. He later attended Haverford College and earned a degree in English in 1969. During his time at Haverford, he wrote for the Haverford News, where he claimed to have submitted humor columns based loosely on his concept of what he would have found if he had done actual research for news assignments.

Barry has been a humor writer for 25 years and has written numerous books, many of which do not contain useful information. Two of his books were used as the basis for the CBS TV sitcom "Dave's World." He is also a member of the Rock Bottom Remainders, a literary rock band whose members include Stephen King, Amy Tan, Ridley Pearson, and Mitch Albom. In his spare time, he is a candidate for president of the United States and is known for his humorous take on various topics. He currently resides in Miami, Florida, with his wife, Michelle, a sportswriter. His most recent books include "Best. State. Ever.: A Florida Man Defends His Homeland" and "Lessons From Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog." His next book, "A Field Guide To The Jewish People," co-written with his friends Adam Mansbach and Alan Zweibel, will be published on September 24.