Andy Warhol

From Pittsburgh Factory Worker's Son to Pop Art Revolutionary

creative entertainment
Andy Warhol

Net Worth

$220M

Born

August 6, 1928 (died age 59)

Country

United States

Occupation

Artist, Filmmaker, Publisher

Gender

male

Generation

Greatest Generation

Marital Status

single

Children

0

Single Parent Household

No

Education

Bachelor's

University

Carnegie Institute of Technology

Industries

creative, entertainment

Wealth Category

multi-millionaire

Wealth Origin

self-made

First-Gen Wealth

Yes

Immigrant

Yes

Overcame

  • Grew up in poverty in Pittsburgh's working-class neighborhood
  • Developed Sydenham's chorea as child; bedridden for months
  • Shot and nearly killed by radical feminist Valerie Solanas in 1968
  • Never fully recovered from shooting; health declined
  • Faced criticism from art establishment for commercial approach

Andy Warhol was an artist, filmmaker, and cultural icon who pioneered the pop art movement. Born Andrew Warhola to Slovakian immigrant parents in Pittsburgh, he transformed everyday consumer products into high art. His Campbell's Soup Cans and Marilyn Monroe portraits redefined what art could be. His studio, The Factory, became a legendary gathering place for artists, musicians, and counterculture figures.

Career Timeline

1928

Born Andrew Warhola in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1936 Age 8
Setback

Developed Sydenham's chorea; bedridden for months

1945 Age 17
Milestone

Graduated from Schenley High School

1949 Age 21
Milestone

Graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology with BFA

1949 Age 21
Turning Point

Moved to New York City to pursue art career

1952 Age 24
Milestone

First solo exhibition

1952 Age 24
Achievement

Won Art Directors Club award for shoe advertisements

1962 Age 34
Milestone

Exhibited Campbell's Soup Cans at Ferus Gallery

1962 Age 34
Milestone

Founded The Factory studio

1964 Age 36
Achievement

Created Marilyn Monroe portraits series

1964 Age 36
Milestone

Founded Interview magazine

1966 Age 38
Achievement

Produced The Velvet Underground's debut album

1968 Age 39
Setback

Shot by Valerie Solanas; nearly died

1969 Age 41
Achievement

First major museum retrospective at Pasadena Art Museum

1975 Age 47
Milestone

Published 'The Philosophy of Andy Warhol'

1985 Age 57
Milestone

Collaborated with Jean-Michel Basquiat

1987 Age 58
Setback

Died in New York City after gallbladder surgery

Notable Quotes

"In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes."

"Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art."

"I think everybody should be nice to everybody."

"Why do people think artists are special? It's just another job."