Origins & Early Life

Thomas Michael Keneally (born 7 October 1935) is an Australian novelist, playwright, essayist, and actor. He is best known for his historical fiction novel Schindler's Ark, the story of Oskar Schindler's rescue of Jews during the Holocaust, which won the Booker Prize in 1982. The book would later be adapted into Steven Spielberg's 1993 film Schindler's List, which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Both Keneally's parents (Edmund Thomas Keneally and Elsie Margaret Coyle) were born to Irish fathers in the timber and dairy town of Kempsey, New South Wales, and although he was born in Sydney, he too spent his early years in Kempsey.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His father, Edmund Thomas Keneally, flew for the Royal Australian Air Force in World War II, then returned to work in a small business in Sydney. By 1942, the family had moved to 7 Loftus Crescent, Homebush, a suburb in the Inner West of Sydney and Keneally was enrolled at Christian Brothers St Patrick's College, Strathfield. Shortly after, his brother John was born. Keneally studied Honours English for his Leaving Certificate in 1952, under Brother James Athanasius McGlade, and won a Commonwealth scholarship. Keneally then entered...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• 14th Dalai Lama — Contemporary (Born in 1935) (1935): Spiritual leader of Tibet and head of Tibetan Buddhism since 1940.
• Abraham Isaac Kook — Contemporary (Died in 1935) (1935): Pioneering Orthodox Rabbi and Father of Religious Zionism.
• Adnan Khashoggi — Contemporary (Born in 1935) (1935): Saudi businessman and arms dealer, known as 'The Great Gatsby of the Middle East'
• Abd al-Rahman ibn Abd Allah al-Ghafiqi — Shared historical date (10-07 · Died) (732): Umayyad commander who led Andalusian forces against the Franks, dying at Tours.
• Al Martino — Shared historical date (10-07 · Born) (1927): Iconic Italian-American crooner, celebrated for standards and his role in The Godfather.
• Alain Delon — Historical peer (Born in 1935) (1935): Iconic French actor, producer, and cinematic leading man of the 20th century.
• Alban Berg — Historical peer (Died in 1935) (1935): Key figure of the Second Viennese School, blending Romanticism with twelve-tone technique.
• 1982 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament — Historical peer (Born in 1982) (1982): The 44th annual NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
• Alan Ritchson — Historical peer (Born in 1982) (1982): American actor known for roles in Reacher, Titans, and superhero franchises.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Historical peer (Died in 1993) (1993): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• 1935 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1935
• October 7 (10-07) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 7