Richard Schiff, best known for his role in the acclaimed television series “The West Wing,” recently expressed his deep admiration for Ernest Hemingway during a commemorative event honouring the 100th anniversary of Hemingway’s seminal work, “The Sun Also Rises.” The celebration, held on October 22, 2026, featured an array of notable guests, including actors Maya Hawke, Sarah Pidgeon, Joy Sunday, Will Harrison, Dominic Sessa, and Titus Welliver, who participated in a dramatic reading of the novel.
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At 71, Schiff reflected on the lasting influence Hemingway’s writings have had on him throughout his life. Although the actor never had the chance to meet the renowned author, who passed away in 1961, he shared how Hemingway’s books played a pivotal role during his formative years. Speaking to PEOPLE at the event, Schiff revealed, “Some of his books have been very important in the early part of my life.”
Hemingway, famed for his succinct and unembellished writing style, has served as a source of inspiration for Schiff’s own creative endeavours. The actor noted that whenever he engages in writing, he often revisits passages from Hemingway’s works. “Because I do write myself, I always go back and check in with a Hemingway passage,” he explained, emphasizing the contrast between the simplicity of Hemingway’s prose and the complexities he sometimes introduces in his own writing. Schiff described Hemingway as “a profoundly important writer” whose vibrant life experiences resonate through his literature.
The event also welcomed several members of Hemingway’s family, including his daughter-in-law Angela Hemingway Charles, grandson Brendan Hemingway, and great-grandson Patrick Hemingway Adams, highlighting the personal connection many still feel to the author and his legacy.
“The Sun Also Rises,” published when Hemingway was just 26, is a landmark novel that explores the disillusionment of the post-World War I generation. The narrative centres around Jake Barnes, an American journalist in Paris coping with the aftermath of a war injury that has left him impotent. His condition complicates his relationship with Lady Brett Ashley, a widow grappling with the realities of love and loss in the wake of conflict. The novel delves into themes of moral ambiguity, spiritual emptiness, and the struggle for meaningful connection in an age marked by shattered illusions.
Describing the essence of the novel, the official synopsis elaborates on its exploration of “an age of moral bankruptcy, spiritual dissolution, unrealised love and vanishing illusions.” These motifs continue to resonate with readers and audiences today, reinforcing the enduring relevance of Hemingway’s insights into the human condition.
As Schiff participated in the dramatic reading of the classic text, it was clear that the event was more than just a celebration of a literary milestone. It served as a poignant reminder of the powerful role literature can play in shaping both personal identities and collective cultural narratives. The presence of family members at such a gathering underscored the familial and generational bonds that literature can foster.
Schiff’s admiration for Hemingway is not merely a passive appreciation; it is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. By drawing from Hemingway’s examples and insights, Schiff continues to cultivate his own creative voice—a testament to the influence of one of the most pioneering authors of the 20th century.
As the legacy of “The Sun Also Rises” lives on through events like this, it invites new generations to engage with its themes and characters. In a world that often grapples with similar issues of disillusionment and the quest for connection, Hemingway’s work remains accessible and applicable, continuing to spark inspiration and reflection in writers and readers alike.