J.K. Rowling

Author:
J.K. Rowling

Date of birth: 31-Jul-1965
Place of birth: Yate, Gloucestershire UK

About the author:
J.K. Rowling (born Joanne Rowling, July 31, 1965) is a British author best known for creating the Harry Potter series, a literary phenomenon that has captivated readers of all ages around the world. Born in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, Rowling studied French and the Classics at the University of Exeter and later worked in various jobs, including as a researcher and bilingual secretary.

The idea for Harry Potter came to her during a train ride from Manchester to London in 1990. Over the next several years, she developed the story while facing personal challenges, including the death of her mother and financial difficulties as a single mother. Her debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (released as Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S.), was published in 1997 after multiple rejections. It quickly became a bestseller, launching a seven-book series that includes Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, and concludes with Deathly Hallows in 2007.

The books, translated into over 80 languages and selling more than 500 million copies, spawned a multi-billion-dollar franchise including films, theme parks, merchandise, and spin-offs. Rowling also wrote under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, authoring the Cormoran Strike detective series.

Rowling has received numerous awards, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Legion of Honour from France. She has also been involved in philanthropy, notably through her charity Lumos, which works to help disadvantaged children.

While Rowling remains a celebrated author, her public statements on gender identity have sparked significant debate and controversy in recent years. Nonetheless, her impact on literature and popular culture is undeniable, and the Harry Potter series remains a formative part of contemporary storytelling.

She lives in Scotland with her family and continues to write novels for both children and adults.