The Real Story Behind “A Beautiful Mind”

John Nash was a mathematical legend. His theories and lifelong work had a profound effect on world economics, but he harbored dark and terrible demons. In 2001, Hollywood capitalized on John’s story, releasing A Beautiful Mind, starring Russell Crowe. The film was an Oscar-winning success – but who really was the tortured genius? How much was truth and how much was just Hollywood glamour?

Join us as we delve deeper into the life of a man hounded by mental illness and plagued by his exceptional abilities.

Born and Raised in West Virginia

John Nash was born in 1928 in Bluefield, West Virginia. His parents, John Forbes Nash and his mother, Margaret Martin came from humble roots. His father worked as an electric engineer for Appalachian Electric Power Company, while Margaret gave up her position as a school teacher to get married and care for her children. John was raised in a religious household, and both him and his younger sister Martha were baptized into the Episcopal Church. It wouldn’t be long before his love of learning would flourish, alerting his parents to his agile mind and capabilities.