Picture an American storyteller who turned snarky sports columns into mind-bending novels—meet Drew Magary! Born in Sydney, Australia, but raised in the U.S., Magary’s journey from NFL humorist to acclaimed novelist is as wild as his genre-hopping tales. With a knack for blending sharp wit, heartfelt emotion, and social commentary, he’s carved a unique space in contemporary literature.
Despite a near-fatal brain injury, Magary’s resilience shines through in his work, from the sci-fi thriller The Postmortal to the deeply personal memoir The Night the Lights Went Out. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this irreverent wordsmith.
The Making of Drew Magary
Born on October 7, 1976, to American parents in Wahroonga, Sydney, Drew Magary moved to the U.S. at just four months old, growing up in Minnesota and Connecticut. He studied English at Colby College after a stint at the University of Michigan, where his love for drama and storytelling took root. Early in his career, Magary worked in advertising, but his true calling emerged through online writing. He cut his teeth on the NFL humor blog Kissing Suzy Kolber before joining Deadspin, where his irreverent, profanity-laced columns—like the fan-favorite 'Why Your Team Sucks'—earned him a cult following.
Drew Magary’s Unforgettable Stories
Magary’s writing defies easy categorization, blending humor, fantasy, and raw emotion. His debut novel, The Postmortal (2011), a sci-fi exploration of a world where aging is cured, earned nominations for the Philip K. Dick and Arthur C. Clarke Awards. It’s a darkly funny yet chilling look at immortality’s consequences. The Hike (2016) takes a surreal turn, following a man trapped in a fantastical, nightmare-fueled wilderness—a mix of folk tale and psychological horror praised for its wit and heart.
In 2020, Magary released Point B, a teleportation-themed coming-of-age story that tackles climate change and personal growth with his signature humor. His memoir, The Night the Lights Went Out (2021), chronicles his 2018 brain hemorrhage and recovery, offering a raw, funny, and moving reflection on disability and family. Magary’s style—conversational, bold, and unafraid to get weird—makes his work accessible yet profound, appealing to readers who crave both laughs and depth.
Why Drew Magary Matters
Drew Magary’s impact lies in his ability to bridge digital culture and literary storytelling. His Deadspin columns shaped online sports journalism, injecting humor and authenticity into a crowded field. As a novelist, he tackles big ideas—mortality, identity, survival—with a relatable voice that resonates across genres. His memoir, in particular, has inspired readers facing personal challenges, with its candid advocacy for therapy and resilience touching lives, as noted by fans and critics alike.
Co-founding Defector Media in 2020 with former Deadspin colleagues, Magary continues to champion independent journalism. His work reminds us that storytelling, whether through a snarky column or a speculative novel, can entertain, provoke, and heal.
- Born: October 7, 1976, Sydney, Australia
- Key Works: The Postmortal, The Hike, Point B, The Night the Lights Went Out
- Notable Achievement: Won $10,000 on Chopped (2015)
- Current Role: Columnist for Defector Media and SFGate
Snag The Hike or The Night the Lights Went Out and dive into Drew Magary’s wild, witty world! His stories are a rollercoaster of laughs, heart, and mind-bending ideas—perfect for anyone who loves a good tale told with a smirk.