If you’re like most people, you’ve probably turned to advice columns at one point or another. But have you ever wondered where these columns actually originated from? And more specifically, who came first – Ann Landers or Dear Abby?
It’s a question that has puzzled many, but the answer may surprise you. Although both columns have become iconic parts of American culture, it was actually Ann Landers who came first. Born Esther Pauline Friedman, Ann Landers began her advice column in 1955 under the pseudonym she would later adopt as her legal name.
Dear Abby, on the other hand, was started by Ann’s twin sister, Pauline Esther Friedman. Using the pen name Abigail Van Buren, Pauline began her column just three years after Ann’s. Despite their shared DNA, the two sisters soon became rivals in the world of advice columns – and their competition would continue for decades to come.
Ann Landers Biography
Ann Landers, born Esther Pauline Friedman, was an American advice columnist who rose to fame in the 1950s. She was born on July 4, 1918, in Sioux City, Iowa, along with her twin sister, Pauline Esther. Ann was the youngest of four children, and the family was very wealthy, thanks to their father’s successful business ventures in the movie theater industry. However, tragedy struck when Ann was just 14 years old, and her father died of a heart attack.
Ann attended Morningside College in Sioux City and later transferred to the University of Iowa, where she graduated with a degree in journalism. She worked as a writer and publicist before marrying Jules Lederer in 1939. The couple moved to Wisconsin, where Jules’ family owned a chain of clothing stores, and Ann worked as a society columnist for a local newspaper.
In 1955, Ann began writing a daily advice column for the Chicago Sun-Times under the pseudonym Ann Landers, which quickly gained popularity. Within a few years, her column was syndicated in hundreds of newspapers across the country. She continued to write her column until her death in 2002, at the age of 83.
Other Subtopics
- Dear Abby Biography
- Who Came First: Ann Landers or Dear Abby?
- Legacy of Ann Landers and Dear Abby
Notable Achievements
During her long career, Ann Landers achieved many notable achievements, including:
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame |
| 1985 | Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |
| 1992 | Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom |
Ann Landers was a trailblazer in the advice column industry and left behind a lasting legacy. Her no-nonsense approach to advice-giving and her unwavering commitment to her readers earned her the respect and admiration of millions. She will always be remembered as one of the most beloved and influential advice columnists of all time.
Dear Abby Biography
Dear Abby, also known as Pauline Esther Friedman Phillips, was an American advice columnist born on July 4, 1918, in Sioux City, Iowa. She was the twin sister of Ann Landers, who also became a famous advice columnist. Dear Abby started her career as an advice columnist in 1956, taking over the column that had previously been written by her predecessor. Her first column was published in the San Francisco Chronicle and was an instant hit.
- Dear Abby’s real name was Pauline Esther Friedman Phillips, but she became famous by her pen name.
- Before becoming an advice columnist, Dear Abby worked as a housewife and mother.
- Dear Abby’s column appeared in over 1,400 newspapers worldwide and was read by millions of people.
Dear Abby’s advice was known for being direct, honest, and often laced with humor. She was praised for her compassionate approach and for being able to relate to people from all walks of life. Unlike her sister, Ann Landers, who often tackled more controversial issues, Dear Abby focused on everyday problems that readers could relate to.
Throughout her career, Dear Abby received numerous awards and honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an induction into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. She continued to write her column until her retirement in 2002 when her daughter, Jeanne Phillips, took over the column and continues to write it to this day.
| Birth Name | Pauline Esther Friedman |
|---|---|
| Pen Name | Dear Abby |
| Birth Date | July 4, 1918 |
| Birth Place | Sioux City, Iowa |
| Death Date | January 16, 2013 |
| Column Started | 1956 |
| Newspapers Published In | Over 1,400 worldwide |
Dear Abby will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the field of advice columns. Her words touched the lives of countless people and helped them navigate the challenges of everyday life with wit, wisdom, and compassion.
Differences between Ann Landers and Dear Abby
Ann Landers and Dear Abby are both famous advice columnists that wrote about similar topics, but there were some differences in their writing style and approaches to giving advice.
- Personal Background: Ann Landers was the pen name for Esther Pauline Friedman Lederer, and she came from a family of 13 children. Dear Abby was the pen name of Pauline Esther Friedman Phillips, who was Ann’s identical twin sister.
- Style: Ann Landers had a more formal and serious writing style, while Dear Abby was known for her more lighthearted and humorous tone.
- Content Focus: Ann Landers often focused on more serious and controversial issues such as politics, relationships, and social justice. Dear Abby, on the other hand, focused more on everyday problems such as etiquette, family issues, and personal hygiene.
Despite these differences, both Ann Landers and Dear Abby had a significant impact on American popular culture. They were both widely read and respected for their advice, and their columns were often cited in news articles and books.
Here is a table summarizing some of the key differences between Ann Landers and Dear Abby:
| Ann Landers | Dear Abby |
|---|---|
| Formal writing style | Lighthearted and humorous tone |
| Focus on serious and controversial issues | Focus on everyday problems |
| Pen name for Esther Pauline Friedman Lederer | Pen name for Pauline Esther Friedman Phillips (Ann’s twin sister) |
In the end, both Ann Landers and Dear Abby left a lasting legacy in the advice column world, and their influence can still be felt today.
Advice Columnists of the Past
Advice columnists have been around for centuries, offering guidance, support, and solutions to readers seeking advice. In the age of technology, many people turn to online forums and social media for answers, but advice columnists of the past had a different kind of influence.
The Battle of Ann Landers and Dear Abby
Ann Landers and Dear Abby are two of the most well-known advice columnists of the past. Both sisters, Esther and Pauline Friedman, landed their columns in newspapers across the country in the 1950s, but who came first?
- Ann Landers debuted in the Chicago Sun-Times in 1943.
- Dear Abby began in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1956.
- However, Ann Landers’ popularity and reach expanded quickly, and she became the more prominent of the two.
The sisters had a falling out in the 1970s and stopped speaking to each other, but their columns continued on separately.
The Impact of Advice Columnists
Advice columnists were influential in their heyday, providing support and guidance to readers on a wide range of issues, from relationships and family problems to etiquette and everyday dilemmas.
Many columnists had a strong voice and a unique perspective, which readers could relate to and trust. Some even gave guidance on political and social issues.
While advice columnists may now be less prominent than in the past, their legacy lives on in the advice blogs, podcasts, and social media influencers of today.
A Look at Some Famous Advice Columnists
| Name | Newspaper/Outlet | Years Active | Notable Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emily Post | Various | 1920s-1950s | Wrote several etiquette books and founded the Emily Post Institute |
| Erma Bombeck | Various | 1960s-1990s | Became known as the “queen of the housewife humor column” |
| Dr. Joyce Brothers | Various | 1950s-2013 | First woman to receive a Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University |
These are just a few examples of the many advice columnists who had an impact on readers and society. Their work continues to be an important part of journalism and cultural history.
Popularity of Advice Columns
Advice columns have been a mainstay in newspapers for over a century, providing readers with a source of guidance and support for their daily struggles. From relationship issues to financial woes, advice columnists have become trusted authorities on a wide range of topics.
- The first advice column was published in 1896 in the Chicago Tribune and was called “Advice to the Lovelorn”.
- By the 1920s, advice columns had become a regular feature in most newspapers across the United States.
- The popularity of advice columnists like Ann Landers and Dear Abby skyrocketed in the 1950s and 1960s, coinciding with the rise of women’s magazines and the post-WWII boom in American society.
Readers found comfort in the relatable stories and candid advice offered by advice columnists, allowing them to feel less isolated in their struggles.
As the digital age has advanced, advice columns have adapted to reach a wider audience through online platforms and social media. Some of the most popular advice columnists today have robust online communities, where readers can share their stories and receive support from both the columnist and fellow readers.
| Advice Columnist | Newspaper | Years Active | Circulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Landers | Chicago Sun-Times | 1955-2002 | 90 million daily readers |
| Dear Abby | San Francisco Chronicle | 1956-2002 | 110 million daily readers |
| Ask Amy | Chicago Tribune | 2003-present | 1.7 million daily readers |
Despite the changing media landscape, advice columns remain a beloved and important part of modern journalism. The guidance offered by these columnists continues to provide solace and support to readers across the globe.
The Evolution of Advice Columns
Advice columns have been a staple in newspapers and magazines for over a century, providing readers with a source of guidance, entertainment, and comfort. Over time, the format, style, and even the topics covered in advice columns have evolved to reflect changing social and cultural norms. Here is a closer look at the evolution of advice columns.
Who Came First: Ann Landers or Dear Abby?
- Ann Landers, also known as Eppie Lederer, began her advice column in the Chicago Sun-Times in 1943.
- Dear Abby, also known as Abigail Van Buren, started her column in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1956.
- Both sisters had a falling out and gave different accounts of who came up with the idea for the advice column first.
Regardless of who started first, both advice columns became hugely popular and were widely syndicated across the country, with millions of readers seeking guidance on everything from relationships to etiquette to health and wellness.
As the social and cultural landscape changed, so did the types of questions and issues covered in advice columns. In the 1960s and 1970s, for example, Ann Landers and Dear Abby began receiving questions related to women’s liberation and sexual freedom. They addressed these topics with empathy and understanding, often challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
Today, advice columns are still popular, but they have adapted to the digital age. Many traditional newspaper and magazine advice columns now have online versions, and new, web-based advice columns have emerged. Social media has also allowed readers to connect with advice columnists on a more personal level, making the exchange of advice more interactive.
| Ann Landers | Dear Abby |
|---|---|
| Offered practical, no-nonsense advice | Emphasized empathy and understanding |
| Supported women’s rights and challenged traditional gender roles | Encouraged readers to seek professional help when needed |
| Covered a wide range of topics, from relationships to health to etiquette | Focused on personal relationships and family dynamics |
Overall, the evolution of advice columns reflects our changing society and the ongoing search for guidance and connection. While the format and style may change over time, the underlying goal remains the same: to offer readers a source of comfort, inspiration, and practical advice.
Famous Advice Columnists Today
For years, advice columnists have been a staple in newspapers and online publications. They offer insights and answers to individuals facing a range of personal problems and dilemmas. Two of the most well-known advice columnists are Ann Landers and Dear Abby, but who came first?
The answer is Ann Landers. Born Esther Pauline “Eppie” Lederer in 1918, she began writing her advice column in the Chicago Sun-Times in 1955 under the pen name Ann Landers. Her twin sister, Pauline Esther “Popo” Phillips, began writing a similar advice column in the San Francisco Chronicle under the name Abigail Van Buren, or Dear Abby, in 1956.
- Carolyn Hax – A contemporary advice columnist, Carolyn Hax writes for The Washington Post and highlights modern-day familial, social issues, and relationships with relevant humor.
- Savage Love – Written by Dan Savage, Savage Love offers a sex-positive take on relationships. This syndicated column in alternative newspapers across the United States and Canada is well-known for causing controversy.
- Miss Manners – Miss Manners, also known as Judith Martin, has been writing advice columns for newspapers since the 1970s. Known for her witty commentary and strict adherence to etiquette rules, she provides answers to modern-day etiquette in a changing world.
There are also dozens of advice columnists writing for online publications, including The Cut, The Huffington Post, and New York Magazine. These columnists tend to focus on specific topics such as career advice, mental health, and financial problems, providing a wide range of perspectives and expert advice.
Below is a table comparing some of the most well-known advice columnists:
| Name | Publication(s) | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Landers | Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune | General advice and life tips |
| Dear Abby | San Francisco Chronicle, Universal Uclick | General advice and life tips |
| Carolyn Hax | The Washington Post | Social, familial, and relationship advice |
| Savage Love | The Stranger, alternative newspapers | Sex and relationship advice |
| Miss Manners | Multiple publications | Etiquette, manners and good behaviors |
From the classics to contemporary, these famous advice columnists offer unique and invaluable insights into life’s challenges. Whether it’s relationships, work, or family, there’s an advice columnist offering guidance and perspective on practically any topic.
Who Came First Ann Landers or Dear Abby FAQs
1. Who are Ann Landers and Dear Abby?
Ann Landers and Dear Abby were advice columnists who gained popularity for their respective columns in major American newspapers.
2. Did Ann Landers or Dear Abby start their column first?
Ann Landers started her column first. Her column debuted in 1943, while Dear Abby’s column started in 1956.
3. What was the real name of Ann Landers and Dear Abby?
Ann Landers’ real name was Esther “Eppie” Friedman Lederer, while Dear Abby’s real name was Pauline Phillips.
4. Did Ann Landers and Dear Abby have a rivalry?
Yes, there was a famous rivalry between the two sisters. They did not speak to each other for many years after a falling out.
5. Are Ann Landers and Dear Abby still writing their columns?
Both Ann Landers and Dear Abby have passed away. Ann Landers died in 2002, and Dear Abby passed away in 2013.
6. Did Ann Landers and Dear Abby have any similarities in their advice?
Both Ann Landers and Dear Abby gave practical and relatable advice to readers. They also both had strong opinions and were not afraid to share them.
7. What is the legacy of Ann Landers and Dear Abby?
Ann Landers and Dear Abby paved the way for modern advice columns and inspired countless writers. They also helped generations of readers navigate life’s challenges with their wisdom and humor.
Closing Remarks
Thanks for taking the time to learn about Ann Landers and Dear Abby. These two remarkable women have left an indelible mark on the world of advice columns, and their legacy lives on today. Be sure to visit again soon for more fun and interesting articles.