Andy Warhol is often remembered for his iconic pop art and larger-than-life persona, but there’s much more to his story than meets the eye. Behind the fame, Warhol led a fascinating life filled with unexpected twists and achievements. Here are ten lesser-known facts that shed light on the complexities of his life and enduring legacy.
He Had Immigrant Parents
Andy Warhol was born in the United States, but his parents were not originally from there. His father immigrated to the US in 1912, and his mother followed nine years later, in 1921. After living together in the country for several years, Andy was born in 1928.
He Was Born in Pittsburgh
Born on August 6, 1928, in Pittsburgh, Andy Warhol was the fourth child in his family. He spent his formative years in the city, where he pursued a degree in commercial art at the Carnegie Institute of Technology, laying the foundation for his future career as an iconic artist.
He Had a Band
Warhol had his moments as a singer, particularly during his involvement with the avant-garde noise music band he formed in 1963. The band, known as “The Druds,” featured Warhol alongside other artists like Larry Poons and Walter De Maria. Patty Mucha was the lead singer, but Warhol would occasionally join in to add his own unique touch.
He Was a TV Host
From 1979 to 1987, Andy Warhol hosted three TV shows, two of which were named after him: Andy Warhol’s TV and Andy Warhol’s 15 Minutes. Notably, Andy Warhol’s 15 Minutes ran from 1985 to 1987 on MTV and featured several actors and musicians as guests.
He Edited His Name
When he was born, he was named Andrew Warhola Jr. However, occasionally, he would go by Andy Warhol instead, a shortened version. One may say he officially changed his name when he first signed one of his commissioned illustrations as Andy Warhol instead of his birth name.
He Wasn’t the Only Family Artist
Andy may be the most popular member of his family, but he wasn’t the only one who dabbled in art. His mother was also an award-winning artist who illustrated her own book in the 1950s. Additionally, Andy’s nephew, James Warhol, followed in the family’s creative footsteps, contributing his artwork to over twenty books.
He Missed His Mother’s Funeral
Julia Warhola was a strong supporter of her son’s art throughout her life. She even starred in Mrs. Warhol, a film Andy made about her. After the death of her husband, Julia moved in with Andy. When Julia passed away in 1972, Andy created portraits of her two years later as a tribute. However, despite this, he did not attend her funeral.
A Museum is Named After Him
For art admirers, the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is a key destination. This seven-floor museum celebrates the artist’s legacy, showcasing a vast collection of his work. Visitors can explore tens of Warhol’s iconic sculptures and hundreds of his paintings, along with many other pieces that span his influential career.
He Made Time Capsules
Today, the Andy Warhol Museum houses hundreds of boxes filled with memorabilia that Warhol collected throughout his life. These “Time Capsules,” as they are called, were started by Warhol in 1973 and likely continued until his passing.
He Was a Cover Art Designer
Another interesting musical moment in Warhol’s life was receiving a Grammy nomination for his work on The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers album cover. Warhol also designed the cover artwork for Bill Squire’s Emotions in Motion and John Cale’s The Academy in Peril.
