Who / What
Jon Carroll is an American journalist and former newspaper columnist known for his work in the San Francisco Chronicle. He wrote a regular column in the newspaper’s entertainment section, the Datebook, catching readers’ attention from 1982 until his retirement in 2015.
Background & History
Carroll was born on November 6, 1943, in Los Angeles and grew up in nearby Pasadena. He began his long association with the San Francisco Chronicle in 1982, succeeding columnist Charles McCabe. His column appeared on the back page of the Datebook section, running Tuesdays through Fridays. He remained a staple voice in the paper until he retired in 2015.
Why Notable
Carroll’s satirical and insightful writing resonated with a broad audience, making him one of the Chronicle’s most recognizable feature writers. Over three decades, he shaped the paper’s entertainment coverage and offered a unique perspective on cultural events. His longevity and popularity helped sustain reader interest in the Chronicle’s brief literary space.
In the News
While Carroll retired in 2015, his work continues to be cited in retrospectives and discussions of San Francisco journalism. His columns remain a reference point for aspiring columnists and journalists covering entertainment and local culture.
