(1925– )
a US writer known for his intelligent criticism of American politics and culture. His best-known works are the novel Myra Breckinridge (1968) and the play Suddenly Last Summer (1958) which was made into a film (1959) with Elizabeth Taylor . Vidal has acted in a few films, including The Eighth Day (1997) and Gattaca (1997). He is critical of people who disagree with him and has had arguments for years with the writer Norman Mailer .