Jeffrey Bernard Quotes

Journalist
England
1932

Jeffrey Bernard was an English journalist, writer, and raconteur. He was best known for his weekly column “Low Life” in The Spectator magazine, which ran from 1978 to 1995. He was also a regular contributor to Punch magazine and the New Statesman. His works include the autobiographical play Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell, which was later adapted into a film, and the novel The Curse of the Horse Race. He was a member of the notorious drinking club The Colony Room and was known for his wit and eccentric lifestyle.Read Less

The more necessary it becomes to stop drinking, the more impossible it becomes to stop. Feraz Zeid, January 18, 2024, Jeffrey Bernard, Addiction, Drinking, Impossible, 0

- Jeffrey Bernard

Journalist

· England

I was under the care of a couple of medical students who couldn’t diagnose a decapitation. Feraz Zeid, January 18, 2024, Jeffrey Bernard, Care, Couple, Students, 0

- Jeffrey Bernard

Journalist

· England

Oh, the self-importance of fading stars. Never mind, they will be black holes one day. Feraz Zeid, January 18, 2024, Jeffrey Bernard, Black, Self, Stars, 0

- Jeffrey Bernard

Journalist

· England

Journalism is the only thinkable alternative to working. Feraz Zeid, July 21, 2023, Jeffrey Bernard, Journalism, 0

- Jeffrey Bernard

Journalist

· England

Journalism

Jeffrey Bernard Career Highlights

Bernard began his career as a journalist in the 1950s, writing for various publications such as The Spectator, The New Statesman, and The Sunday Times.
In 1960, he joined the staff of the satirical magazine Private Eye, where he became known for his column “Low Life,” which chronicled his experiences as a heavy drinker and gambler.
In 1975, Bernard’s column was adapted into a play titled “Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell,” which became a hit in London’s West End and was later made into a film.
He also wrote for The Sporting Life, a daily newspaper focused on horse racing, and became known for his humorous and insightful coverage of the sport.
In addition to his journalism career, Bernard was also a successful author, with several books to his name including “Low Life: A Kind of Autobiography” and “Reach for the Ground: The Downhill Struggle of Jeffrey Bernard.”
He was a regular guest on television and radio shows, often discussing his love for alcohol and his tumultuous personal life.

Key Contributions by Jeffrey Bernard

Bernard’s writing style was characterized by his sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and unapologetic honesty. He was not afraid to share his personal struggles with alcoholism and gambling, which resonated with readers and made him a beloved figure in the literary world.
His column “Low Life” was a unique blend of social commentary, personal anecdotes, and humorous observations, making it a must-read for many in the 1960s and 1970s.
Bernard’s play “Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell” not only brought him widespread recognition but also helped to popularize the term “unwell” as a euphemism for being too drunk to work.
He was a master storyteller and his writing had a way of drawing readers in and keeping them engaged until the very end. His ability to turn mundane events into entertaining stories was a testament to his talent as a writer.

What Sets Jeffrey Bernard Apart

Bernard’s unapologetic and honest approach to writing set him apart from other journalists of his time. He was not afraid to share his personal struggles and vulnerabilities, which made him relatable to readers.
His writing style was also unique, with a mix of humor, satire, and social commentary that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Despite his struggles with alcoholism and gambling, Bernard remained a highly respected and sought-after writer, which speaks to his talent and dedication to his craft.

Takeaways

Jeffrey Bernard’s career highlights the power of honesty and vulnerability in writing. By sharing his personal struggles, he was able to connect with readers and create a loyal following.
His writing style serves as a reminder that humor and wit can be powerful tools in delivering social commentary and making important issues more accessible to a wider audience.
Bernard’s legacy continues to inspire writers to be unapologetically themselves and to use their unique voices to make a lasting impact in the world of journalism and literature.

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