Famous author dies in Eastbourne

A world-famous author has died in Eastbourne.
Charles Webb SUS-200624-120529001Charles Webb SUS-200624-120529001
Charles Webb SUS-200624-120529001

Charles Webb, best known for his first novel The Graduate, died on June 16, aged 81.

Originally from San Francisco, he was reported living in a hotel in Eastbourne, after moving to the UK in 1999.

His last known residence in the town was in Croxden Way.

Charles Webb SUS-200624-120542001Charles Webb SUS-200624-120542001
Charles Webb SUS-200624-120542001
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Despite Mike Nichols’ iconic film adaptation of the novel becoming a runaway success, Webb died in relative obscurity.

He made a reported $20,000 from selling the rights for his 1963 novel, but gave this away.

The 1967 film, starring Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock and Anne Bancroft as the infamous Mrs Robinson, has since grossed more than $100 million.

In contrast, Webb, who did not believe in material possessions, scraped by.

Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft in The Graduate (1967) Embassy Pictures SUS-200624-121924001Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft in The Graduate (1967) Embassy Pictures SUS-200624-121924001
Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft in The Graduate (1967) Embassy Pictures SUS-200624-121924001
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Over the years he is reported to have made a living as a cleaner, cook, fruit picker and joined a nudist colony.

He had two sons, John and David, with his long-time partner Eve, who later changed her name to Fred.

Besides The Graduate, Webb also published a number of books including New Cardiff, The Marriage of a Young Stockbroker and Home School, a sequel to his most famous work.