Bill Cardoso

William Joseph Cardoso (September 24, 1937 – February 26, 2006) was an American journalist. Noted for coining the term "gonzo journalism", he was a pioneer of New Journalism and a close friend of fellow journalist Hunter S. Thompson.

Early life and education Cardoso was born on September 24, 1937, in Boston. His father, John Alvin Cardoso, was born in Portugal and was a member of the United States Navy during World War I, as well as a Boston firefighter. His mother was Mary Cardoso (née Cordiro). Cardoso studied journalism at Boston University in the late 1950s. He was the editor of the Globe Sunday magazine.

Personal life and death Cardoso married three times, having a daughter, Linda, in the first marriage. He was in a relationship with Mary Miles Ryan from until his death, though did not marry. He was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in his later life. He died on February 26, 2006, aged 68, in his home in Kelseyville, California, of heart failure.