A close-up portrait of author Stephen King wearing glasses and a grey suit jacket.

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

Stephen King

Born

September 21, 1947

Died
Birthplace

Portland, Maine, US

Age

79 Years Old

Horoscope

Virgo

Who Is Stephen King?

Stephen King is an American author who redefined modern horror and suspense for millions of readers. His prolific storytelling turned ordinary, quiet scenarios into terrifying novels that captured the collective imagination of the public.

He gained instant international fame with his spectacular and chilling 1974 debut horror novel, Carrie. This classic breakout success launched his career, and dedicated fans adore his signature red baseball cap.

Full NameStephen Edwin King
GenderMale
Height6 feet 4 inches (193 cm)
Relationship StatusMarried
Net Worth$500 Million
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityWhite
EducationUniversity of Maine
FatherDonald Edwin King
MotherNellie Ruth Pillsbury King
SiblingsDavid King
KidsNaomi King, Joe Hill, Owen King

Early Life and Education

Nellie Ruth Pillsbury raised young Stephen King alone after his father abandoned the family. They moved constantly across several states before finally settling in Durham, where his mother cared for her aging parents.

Lisbon Falls High School nurtured his talent while he co-created a small, local newsletter. He later attended the University of Maine, where he earned an English degree and discovered a lifelong passion for political activism.

Notable Relationships

An enduring and collaborative bond has defined his romantic journey for more than fifty years. He married fellow author Tabitha Spruce in 1971 after meeting in the stacks of their university library.

The couple shares three children, Naomi, Joe, and Owen, who have pursued their own creative careers. They continue to live in Maine, where they co-manage family foundations and support civic programs across New England.

Career Highlights

Chilling masterpiece novels like The Shining and It established him as a premier horror author. He has written dozens of bestsellers, which have achieved hundreds of millions of global print sales and inspired classic Hollywood films.

The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation champions important civic projects across Maine. He also launched the Dollar Baby program to provide aspiring filmmakers cheap adaptation rights to his short stories.

His remarkable contributions earned him the National Medal of Arts in 2015. He has secured multiple British Fantasy Awards and Bram Stoker Awards, cementing King as a titan of modern fiction.

Signature Quote

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”