Happy birthday! Colson Whitehead turns 56 today

‘The Underground Railroad’ author Colson Whitehead is celebrating his 56th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed authors of his generation.

Popular author Colson Whitehead has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 56th birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

Whitehead, a cultural icon

Born Arch Colson Chipp Whitehead in New York on November 6, 1969, his career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in American history. Whitehead's not just a great author, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Colson hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Colson Whitehead as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 56.

Happy Birthday, Colson, you're the best!

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