J.K. Rowling is a British author and screenwriter who is best known for creating the immensely popular ‘Harry Potter’ fantasy series. Her books have sold over 500 million copies worldwide and have been adapted into a successful film franchise. In this article, we will delve into the life of J.K. Rowling, her early years, her journey as an author, and her contributions to the world of literature and film.
Personal Stats
| Full Name | J.K. Rowling |
| Date of Birth | July 31, 1965 |
| Marital Status | Married to Dr. Neil Murray since December 26, 2001 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $850 million (as of 2017) |
| State of Origin | United Kingdom |
| Birthplace | Yate, England |
| Occupation | Author, Screenwriter |
| Nationality | British |
| Citizenship | Not explicitly mentioned in the provided content |
| Alma Mater | – University of Exeter – St Michael’s Primary School in Winterbourne – Wyedean School and College |
Who Is J.K. Rowling?
J.K. Rowling, born Joanne Rowling on July 31, 1965, in Yate, England, is a renowned author and screenwriter. She gained fame and recognition for her seven-book ‘Harry Potter’ series, which has become one of the most beloved and successful franchises in history. Rowling’s books have been translated into multiple languages and have captivated readers of all ages.
Early Life
Joanne Rowling, who later adopted the pen name J.K. Rowling, was born in Yate, England. She attended the University of Exeter and graduated with a degree in French and Classics. After completing her education, Rowling moved to Portugal in 1990 to teach English. It was during her time in Portugal that she met and married Jorge Arantes, a Portuguese journalist. They had a daughter named Jessica in 1993. However, the marriage ended in divorce, and Rowling moved to Edinburgh with her daughter.
Books
‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’
After facing numerous rejections, Rowling finally sold her first book, ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ in 1997. The book was an instant success and introduced readers to the magical world of Harry Potter and his adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In America, the book was published as ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.’
‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’
The second book in the series, ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,’ was published in 1998. It continued the story of Harry Potter and his friends as they faced new challenges and mysteries at Hogwarts.
‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’
Published in 1999, ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ further expanded the wizarding world and introduced new characters and plotlines. The book garnered immense popularity and solidified Rowling’s status as a prominent author.
‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’
The fourth book in the series, ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,’ was released in 2000 and became the fastest-selling book in 24 hours at the time. It marked a turning point in the series, as the story took a darker and more complex turn.
‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’
‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ was published in 2003 after a delayed release. The book delved deeper into the growing conflict between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort, the series’ main antagonist.
‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’
Published in 2005, ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ became a record-breaking success, selling 6.9 million copies in the United States within the first 24 hours of its release. The book set the stage for the final installment in the series.
‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’
The seventh and final book in the ‘Harry Potter’ series, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,’ was released in 2007. It became the largest ever pre-ordered book and marked the end of Harry Potter’s journey.
Other Works
Apart from the ‘Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling has also written other books and works. In 2001, she released ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,’ a companion book to the ‘Harry Potter’ series. It was written under the pen name Newt Scamander, a fictional character from the series. The book explores the magical creatures in the wizarding world.
In 2008, Rowling published ‘The Tales of Beedle the Bard,’ a collection of fairy tales mentioned in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. The book was originally handwritten and illustrated by Rowling herself and was later published for charity.
In recent years, Rowling has ventured into writing for adults. In 2012, she released ‘The Casual Vacancy,’ a novel that explores the lives of residents in a small English town. She has also written a crime series under the pen name Robert Galbraith, starting with ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’ in 2013.
Film Adaptations
The success of the ‘Harry Potter’ books led to the creation of a film franchise. The first film, ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ was released in 2001 and was followed by seven more films, each based on one of the books in the series. The films were critically acclaimed and commercially successful, grossing over $7.7 billion worldwide.
J.K. Rowling’s Legacy
J.K. Rowling’s contributions to literature and film have had a lasting impact. Her ‘Harry Potter’ series has not only captivated readers but has also inspired a love for reading among young people. The books have been praised for their themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of love.
Rowling’s success as an author has also made her one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. However, she is known for her philanthropy and has donated significant amounts of her wealth to various charitable causes, including those related to multiple sclerosis research, poverty alleviation, and children’s welfare.
