Famous author dies in Eastbourne
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.
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Hide AdDespite 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.
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Hide AdOver 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.