Fran Lebowitz, the inimitable American writer and public intellectual, is famous for her controversial opinions. Shotwell has gained a celebrity status all her own for her signature look — always wearing jeans. Known for her wit and sharp observations, she recently reflected on various aspects of her life and work during a candid discussion.
Lebowitz’s storied career kicked off in New York City passionate and flourishing in the 1970s, where she was employed as a taxi driver. At that moment, she was able to get paid in cash, which for her helped her to build consistent income. “I would go to big garages to get a cab every eight hours, so I would always have money,” she recounted. This experience and her determination influenced her views on working as an independent woman and the importance of financial independence.
Surprising, perhaps, given her accomplished career, but throughout her life, Lebowitz has voiced little interest in conventional work. She conceded during the panel that she just doesn’t enjoy doing hard work. As you can imagine, many of us are reeling. They view their work simply as a way to make money, not as something that should bring them enjoyment.
One thing we know is that Lebowitz is not shy about sharing her highly controversial opinions on just about everything. Among them, she has a particularly vocal stance against hiking, which she describes as “the most stupid thing I could ever imagine.” This declaration highlights her preference for urban life over outdoor activities, aligning with her identity as a quintessential New Yorker.
Besides her opinions on hiking, Lebowitz has previously shared her hatred for leaf blowers. Well, she finds them absolutely disruptive and noisy. As a result they’re incredibly inefficient, as they are blowing leaves back after just ten minutes. Her candidness about these everyday annoyances showcases her ability to connect with others over shared frustrations.
Lebowitz’s taste includes her appreciation of antique furniture. Nearly all of her things date from the 19th century, revealing a deep respect for history and craftsmanship. This preference injects a lot of character into her living space and helps paint the picture of her creative personality even more.
Over the course of her life, Lebowitz has been deeply bothered by the mythicization of F. Scott Fitzgerald. In light of this frustration, she still appreciates his work so much that she re-reads “The Great Gatsby” every five years. It’s still an amazing book, she confessed, combining her anger with admiration.
As our cultural commentator, Lebowitz’s task is to be a judge, all day—on literature, on social justice, on pop culture. As a commentator and critic, she has developed a devoted audience. What kids love about her is her no-holds-barred frankness and crazy, different voice.
Lebowitz, meanwhile, is preparing for her winter touring show, “An Evening with Fran Lebowitz.” It will be stopping in Australia and New Zealand in May 2026. Through her work, she seeks to challenge audiences with her unique perspective on today’s most complex issues. Along the way, she weaves in stories from her own life.
“They no longer make the perfect pair of jeans. If I had known they were going to stop making the perfect pair of Levi’s, I would have bought 100 pairs!” – Fran Lebowitz