Art Buchwald

Education: Quit high school at age 17 to join Marines; attended University of Southern California, 1945-48, where he was managing editor of the college humor magazine but ruled ineligible for a degree after his lack of a high school diploma was discovered.

Experience: Joined Marine Corps under age, served in Pacific theater, 1942-45; Paris stringer for Variety magazine, late 1940s; Paris columnist for New York Herald Tribune, 1949-52; syndicated columnist for New York Herald Tribune and then Los Angeles Times syndicates, 1952-2006; author of more than 30 books; winner of 1982 Pulitzer Prize for outstanding commentary.

Family: Wife, author Ann McGarry, died in 1994; children Joel, Conchita and Jennifer; five grandchildren.

Quote: "The thing is snowballing and rather than just pretend I don't care, I do care. It's a great way to say goodbye."