Truman Capote's ashes auctioned off

  • 26/09/2016
Truman Capote (Getty)
Truman Capote (Getty)

The ashes of Truman Capote, the famous novelist and social chronicler, have been sold at auction.

Capote rose to renown as the author of Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood.

The ashes were sold by Julien's Auctions on Saturday in Los Angeles for US$45,000 (NZ$62,000).

After Capote's death, some of his ashes were given to his late friend - and Johnny Carson's ex-wife - Joanne Carson.

"We had bids from Russia, South America and Asia. There was a lot of interest in such a unique item," Darren Julien, president of Julien's Auctions, told the Press Association.

"When Truman passed away in Joanne Carson's house they were best friends. He requested to be cremated and told her: 'Don't put me on a shelf. I want to go on an adventure.'"

Mr Capote was known for his flair, and taste for the dramatic - and Mr Julien says the auction would have pleased him.

"With some celebrities this wouldn't be tasteful, but I know 100 percent he would love it," he told the Guardian before the auction.

"He loved to create press opportunities and to read his name in the paper. I think he would love it that he's still grabbing headlines today."

Newshub.