J.K. Rowling - Do you love the talented J.K. Rowling? We've assembled all the relevant and interesting facts about this renowned author and philanthropist.

J.K. Rowling's Birthday 2025 – July 31, 2025

J.K. Rowling, born on July 31, 1965, is a British author and screenwriter best known for her seven-volume “Harry Potter” children’s book series. The series has sold over 500 million copies and received various awards; it has also been made into a successful film franchise. Rowling has ascended from rags to riches, ranking as the 12th richest woman in the United Kingdom in 2008 with a net worth of $1 billion. In short five years, “Harry Potter” transformed Rowling’s status from poverty recipient to multimillionaire. Rowling and “Harry Potter” have become household names around the world, with Rowling being named the ‘Most Influential Woman in Britain’ by prominent magazine editors in 2010. We love to see this growth and are happy to celebrate her today.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Joanne Kathleen Rowling

Nickname:

Jo

Birth date:

July 31, 1965

Age:

59 years, 2 months

Zodiac Sign:

Leo

Height:

5' 4"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$1.0 billion

J.K. Rowling's Social Media:

Background

Due to the success of the “Harry Potter” series, J.K. Rowling has become one of the most popular authors in the last decade. Joanne Kathleen Rowling was born on July 31, 1965, in Yate, England. She was born and raised in Chepstow, Gwent. She knew she wanted to be a writer since she was six years old, and her first book was about a rabbit. Rowling attended the University of Exeter and majored in French and classics. She worked as a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International in London after graduating from university.In 1990, while waiting for a train from Manchester to London King’s Cross, Rowling had the idea for “Harry Potter.” During the next five years, she plotted out each book’s storyline and began writing “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” the first in the series, which was released by Bloomsbury in 1997. “Harry Potter” began to spread around the world when the book was translated into various languages, and Rowling soon received thousands of letters from fans. In addition, she wrote the companion volumes “Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them” in 2001, which were adapted into a film series between 2016 and 2018 with screenplays by Rowling. The profits from their sales went to charity. She later co-wrote a plot that inspired the play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” which debuted in 2016 and went on to win an unprecedented nine Olivier Awards, including ‘Best New Play.’ In 2016, a book version of the script was released, billed as the eighth narrative in the “Harry Potter” series. The production was transported to Broadway two years later, and it won six Tony Awards in 2018, including the ‘Best New Play.’In 2015, Rowling debuted in adult fiction with the television miniseries “The Casual Vacancy,” a contemporary social satire set in a small English town. The author wrote the crime thriller “The Cuckoo’s Calling” under the alias Robert Galbraith, which was disclosed in 2013. In 2017, a television series based on the books launched in the United Kingdom and in the United States the following year. Rowling began serializing “The Ickabog,” a new children’s novel, for free online in May 2020, and it was published in November. She defined the fairy tale as an investigation of “truth and the abuse of power,” although it had nothing to do with “Harry Potter.”Rowling had a previous marriage that did not work out. On October 16, 1992, she married Jorge Arantes, a Portuguese television journalist. Jessica Isabel Rowling Arantes, their daughter, was born in Portugal on July 27, 1993. During her marriage, Rowling was subjected to domestic violence. Arantes kicked her out of the house on November 17, 1993, and the couple separated on November 17, 1993. On August 10, 1994, she filed for divorce, which was finalized in June 1995. Rowling married anesthetist, Dr. Neil Murray, on December 26, 2001, at the couple’s residence in Scotland. David (born in 2003) and Mackenzie (born in 2005) are their two children.

Career timeline

1990
She Begins Writing “Harry Potter”

The idea for "Harry Potter" comes to her on a four-hour delayed train ride from Manchester to London, and she begins writing that same night when she arrives at her flat.

1996
She Signs a Contract for “Harry Potter”

Rowling signs a five-year contract with Christopher Little Literary Agency, with the chance to renew the contract.

2011
She Signs With Another Publishing Agency

Rowling leaves Christopher Little Literary Agency and joins Neil Blair’s new agency — the Blair Partnership.

1988
Rowling Publishes Her First Short Essay

Rowling's short essay "What Was the Name of That Nymph Again? or Greek and Roman Studies Recalled" is published in ‘Pegasus,’ the journal of the University of Exeter.

2013
Her Debut as a Screenwriter

It is announced that Rowling is working on a new film inspired by the “Harry Potter” world; it’s Rowling’s debut as a screenwriter.

2015
Rowling Launches Her Non-profit Organization

Rowling lights up the Empire State Building to launch her children’s non-profit organization, Lumos USA.

J.K. Rowling FAQs

Is J.K. Rowlings richer than the queen?

Now Rowling is richer than the Queen, according to the “Sunday Times Rich List.”

How much did J.K. Rowling make off of the “Harry Potter” movies?

It’s estimated that Rowling has earned over $700 million from the “Harry Potter” films alone.

Does J.K. Rowling make money from “Hogwarts Legacy?”

Although not directly involved in the development of “Hogwarts Legacy,” Rowling does stand to earn royalties from the game..

5 Surprising Facts

  1. She named her daughter after an author

    She named her daughter after author and civil rights activist, Jessica Mitford.

  2. Her favorite game is basketball

    Rowling cited all-American basketball as her influence for the creation of Quidditch (the sport of choice in the “Harry Potter” books).

  3. She was disappointed severally

    Her initial “Harry Potter” manuscript was turned down by 12 publishers before being picked up by Bloomsbury.

  4. She disguised herself to buy a dress

    Rowling had to use a disguise to buy her wedding gown in 2001 after the success of her "Harry Potter" books.

  5. She shares a birthday with someone famous

    Rowling and Harry Potter were both born on July 31.

Why We Love J.K. Rowling

  1. She has great fortitude

    Rowling isn't afraid to speak openly about her struggles. From raising a tiny child as a young, single mother on the verge of poverty to battling despair following the death of her mother, she has been through it all. She has fought difficulties and triumphed in a dignified manner. Even better, she uses her experiences, platform, and path to assist people who are currently in need.

  2. She is generous

    She is one of the very few people who has gone from being a billionaire to being a millionaire as a result of several charity donations. More importantly, she makes excellent use of her celebrity status by providing a voice to those who are frequently silenced by society.

  3. Her imagination

    She didn't just make a story; she created a complete universe. Our minds are blown by a reality that is so beautiful and sophisticated. If you go to her Twitter account, you'll notice that she occasionally answers fan questions concerning the wizarding world, the majority of which are regarding themes that have never been discussed before.

J.K. Rowling’s birthday dates

Year Date Day
2023 July 31 Monday
2024 July 31 Wednesday
2025 July 31 Thursday
2026 July 31 Friday
2027 July 31 Saturday