On This Day - 18th July 1937 Happy Birthday Hunter S Thompson

In 1937 journalist and author Hunter S Thompson was born and went on to create the gonzo journalism movement and write bestselling novels that are still being enjoyed today.

Thompson first rose to prominence in 1967 with his book 'Hell's Angel's' which was praised for it's up close and uncompromising look at a gang that many people feared. Thompson spent a year living and riding with the Hell's Angels so he could write about their lives and experiences.

Four years later in 1971, probably his most well known work, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, was published which was later turned into the cult classic film of the same name starring Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro. Thompson became a close friend with Johnny Depp who went on to star in the Rum Diary based on Thompson's 1998 novel of the same name.

In 2005 Thompson died of suicide at age 63. His funeral was funded by Depp and attended by Jack Nicholson, and in accordance with his wishes his ashes were fired out of a cannon.