Andy Weir

Author:
Andy Weir

Date of birth: 16-Jun-1972
Place of birth: Davis, California USA

About the author:
Andy Weir (born June 16, 1972) is an American author known for combining hard science with engaging storytelling in accessible, high-stakes science fiction. He is best known for his breakout debut novel, The Martian, which became a global bestseller and a major motion picture.

Born and raised in Davis, California, Weir developed an early interest in science, computers, and space exploration. The son of a physicist and an engineer, he was immersed in scientific thinking from a young age. He studied computer science at the University of California, San Diego, but left before graduating and went on to work as a software engineer for companies such as AOL and Blizzard Entertainment.

Weir’s passion for science fiction led him to write short stories and self-publish online while working in tech. His breakthrough came with The Martian (2011), which he originally posted for free on his website. The story follows Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded on Mars, who survives through ingenuity, engineering, and humour. Due to growing demand, Weir self-published the book on Amazon Kindle, where it quickly gained a massive following. The success led to a publishing deal and, in 2015, a critically acclaimed film adaptation directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon.

Following The Martian, Weir published Artemis (2017), a lunar-set thriller featuring a smart, rebellious heroine caught in a criminal conspiracy, and Project Hail Mary (2021), a space survival story praised for its scientific rigour and emotional depth. Project Hail Mary also garnered major success and is being adapted into a film starring Ryan Gosling.

Weir is known for his dedication to scientific accuracy, often researching real physics, engineering, and space science in depth before writing. His books are celebrated for making complex scientific concepts engaging and fun.

Andy Weir continues to write novels that appeal to both science fiction fans and general readers, making him one of the most popular voices in modern science-based storytelling.