During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, works in the Peasants' Federation, then joins the resistance after November 4, when Soviet troops enter the country. Expelled from university because of revolution activities and cannot graduate. Tried for revolutionary activities and receives a sentence of life imprisonment. Learns English while in prison. Wins amnesty and release from prison.
Begins work as a literary translator and freelance writer.
1990 Becomes an AFD member of Parliament and elected Speaker of Parliament by the founding session. Goncz becomes president of the Republic of Hungary on August 3, 1990. 1995 Re-elected president of Hungary. He has translated more than 100 works, mostly by English and American authors such as Baldwin, Doctorow, Faulkner, Golding, Hemingway, Styron, Sontag, Updike, Wharton and others. Received honorary doctorate titles from several foreign universities.