Feud: Capote vs the Swans has reignited a new generation's interest in Truman Capote's life, including his background. Here's what we know about Capote's mother, Lillie Mae Faulk:
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Who Was Truman Capote's Mother, Lillie Mae Faulk?
Lillie Mae Faulk, Truman Capote's mother (1905–1954), was from Alabama. She married Capote's father in her late teens, eager to escape her small town.
Since Capote (born Truman Streckfus Persons) was born in 1924, Lillie Mae Faulk was eighteen or nineteen years old when giving birth to him.
As a young child, Truman Capote experienced neglect. After his parents' divorce, he was raised by his mother's relatives in Monroe Country, Alabama for several years.
His caretakers were four unmarried older cousins of his mother's, and he particularly bonded with Nanny Rumbley Faulk, whom he called "Sook," who loved him and supported his writing.
Lillie Mae Faulk later changed her name to Nina and married José García "Joe" Capote, a wealthy Cuban immigrant.
The family lived in New York, in Manhattan, and in Greenwich, Connecticut. In 1942, they returned to New York, where they resumed a wealthy lifestyle.
In the 1950s, Joe Capote was charged with embezzlement and the family's way of life came to an abrupt end. Shortly after, Nina died of suicide.
Who Was Capote's Father?
Truman Capote's birth father was Archulus "Arch" Persons (1897–1981), a salesman from a prominent Alabama family.
Not very much is known about Capote's later relationship with his father, although his parents' divorce, early childhood neglect, and multiple relocations at a young age are known to have affected him.
In the early 1930s, Capote moved to New York to live with his mother and stepfather. Joe Capote adopted him in 1935, giving him the surname that he's best known by.
Will Capote's Parents Appear in Feud: Capote Vs the Swans?
Capote's mother, Lille Mae "Nina" Faulk will appear in Feud: Capote Vs the Swans.
She will be portrayed by Jessica Lange, who also worked with creator Ryan Murphy in leading roles in the first four American Horror Story seasons.
Since Capote's mother passed away in the 1950s and the show takes place later in the author's life, we expect her to appear in flashbacks rather than in the narrative present.
Joe Capote will be portrayed by Dan Cordle.
There is no information about the potential appearance of Capote's birth father in the show.
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