Richard Osman

Author:
Richard Osman

Date of birth: 28-Nov-1970
Place of birth: Billericay, Essex UK

About the author:
Richard Osman is a British television presenter, producer, and bestselling author, best known for creating and hosting the hit quiz show Pointless, and for his hugely popular crime novel series beginning with The Thursday Murder Club. Born on November 28, 1970, in Billericay, Essex, and raised in Sussex, Osman studied Politics and Sociology at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Osman began his career behind the scenes in television, working as a creative director at Endemol UK. He developed a number of successful shows, but became a familiar face to audiences after co-hosting Pointless from 2009 to 2022 alongside Alexander Armstrong. His warm humour and quick wit helped make the show a British favourite.

In 2020, Osman made a highly successful leap into fiction with his debut novel, The Thursday Murder Club, a cozy mystery about four elderly friends in a retirement village who solve cold cases. The book became a phenomenon—selling millions of copies, receiving critical acclaim, and being translated into dozens of languages. It was followed by bestsellers The Man Who Died Twice (2021), The Bullet That Missed (2022), and The Last Devil to Die (2023), all featuring the same lovable cast of amateur sleuths.

His books have been praised for their charm, humour, and gentle but insightful commentary on aging, friendship, and justice. A film adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club is in development, with Steven Spielberg’s production company attached.

As of 2024, Osman has begun a new mystery series featuring a father-daughter detective duo, showing his continued evolution as a writer. He is married to actress Ingrid Oliver and continues to work in media alongside his literary career.

Richard Osman has become one of Britain’s most beloved contemporary authors, celebrated for his clever plotting, warm characters, and unmistakable voice.