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Lee Child, born October 29, 1954, is a British author best known for his Jack Reacher thriller series. A former television director, Child's gripping novels have garnered international acclaim and a devoted readership.
Biography
Full Name | James Dover Grant |
---|---|
Pen Name | Lee Child |
Date of Birth | 29 October 1954 |
Nationality | British |
Genre | Thriller |
Notable Works | Jack Reacher novel series |
Famous Character | Jack Reacher |
First Novel | Killing Floor (1997) |
Awards |
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Early Life
Lee Child, the renowned author known for his thriller novels, was born on October 29, 1954, in Coventry, England. He grew up in the exact geographic center of England, amidst the heart of the industrial badlands. His early environment was characterized by a stark lack of natural beauty, with Child himself noting that he did not see a tree until he was twelve years old. Despite these bleak beginnings, Child developed a rich imagination and a love for storytelling. He later moved to Birmingham, where he spent a significant part of his formative years and strongly identified with the city. Eventually, Child moved to New York City, where he currently resides. His early life experiences and the diverse locales he has lived in have significantly influenced his writing, shaping the gritty, compelling worlds of his novels.
Family
Name | Relation | Information |
---|---|---|
Jane Grant | Mother | Jane Grant is Lee Child's mother. Little information is publicly available about her, but she played a significant role in his upbringing. |
Unnamed Father | Father | Lee Child's father is not widely discussed in public sources. Details about him remain limited. |
Andrew Grant | Brother | Andrew Grant is Lee Child's younger brother and also a writer. He has taken over the Jack Reacher series from Lee Child. |
Ruth Grant | Daughter | Ruth Grant is Lee Child's daughter. She is grown-up and has a small dog named Jenny. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
Attribute | Measurement |
---|---|
Height | 6 ft 5 in (195.58 cm) |
Weight | Unknown |
Other Body Measurements | Not Available |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Lee Child is currently married to his American wife, Jane. They reside just outside New York City. The couple has a grown-up daughter named Ruth and a small dog called Jenny. Lee Child and Jane have been married for several years, though the exact marriage date is not publicly documented.
Details About Jane
Jane is known to be supportive of Lee Child's writing career. The couple has relocated to the United States and settled in New York state. Not much more is publicly known about Jane as she tends to maintain a private life.
According to available records and public information, there are no documented previous relationships or marriages for Lee Child. He appears to have maintained a stable and lasting relationship with his current wife, Jane.
Lee Child, whose real name is James Dover Grant, spends his spare time reading, listening to music, and watching sports, such as the New York Yankees, Aston Villa, or Marseilles soccer. He is a well-known author, particularly famous for his “Jack Reacher” series.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Lee Child, born James Dover Grant, is a British author best known for his Jack Reacher series of novels. He gained fame through his gripping thrillers that feature the character Jack Reacher, a former military policeman who roams the United States, solving crimes and righting wrongs. The series has been highly successful and has been adapted into films starring Tom Cruise.
Before becoming an author, Lee Child worked in television as a presentation director for Granada Television in Manchester, England. After being laid off in 1995, he decided to start writing. His debut novel, “Killing Floor,” was published in 1997 and won the Anthony Award for Best First Novel. This marked the beginning of the Jack Reacher series, which has since grown to include over 20 novels.
Some of his popular works include:
- Killing Floor (1997)
- Die Trying (1998)
- Tripwire (1999)
- One Shot (2005) – Adapted into the film Jack Reacher (2012)
- Never Go Back (2013) – Adapted into the film Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)
Lee Child has received numerous awards for his work, including:
- Anthony Award for Best First Novel for Killing Floor (1998)
- Barry Award for Best Novel for Without Fail (2003)
- Nero Award for One Shot (2005)
- Diamond Dagger Award for lifetime achievement by the Crime Writers' Association (2013)
Despite his success, Lee Child has not been free from controversy:
- Tom Cruise Casting: The casting of Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher in the film adaptations was met with criticism from fans of the books, who felt that Cruise did not physically match the character's description.
- Retirement and Succession: In 2020, Lee Child announced that he would be retiring from writing and that his brother, Andrew Grant, would continue the Jack Reacher series under the pen name Andrew Child. This decision was met with mixed reactions from fans.
Despite these controversies, Lee Child remains a highly respected and successful author whose works continue to captivate readers worldwide.
Faq
Who Is Lee Child?
Lee Child is a British author best known for his Jack Reacher series of thriller novels. Born on October 29, 1954, in Coventry, England, his real name is James Dover Grant.
What Is The Jack Reacher Series About?
The Jack Reacher series follows the adventures of a former Major in the United States Army Military Police Corps. Reacher is a drifter who travels across the United States taking odd jobs and solving dangerous situations. The series is known for its action-packed narratives and strong central character.
How Many Books Are In The Jack Reacher Series?
As of 2023, there are 27 books in the Jack Reacher series, with the first book, “Killing Floor,” published in 1997. Lee Child typically releases one book per year.
Has Lee Child Won Any Awards For His Writing?
Yes, Lee Child has won several awards for his writing, including the Anthony Award and the Barry Award for Best First Novel for “Killing Floor.” His books have also received numerous nominations and critical acclaim.
Are There Any Film Or Tv Adaptations Of The Jack Reacher Series?
Yes, there have been two film adaptations starring Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher: “Jack Reacher” (2012) and “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” (2016). Additionally, there is a television series adaptation titled “Reacher” released on Amazon Prime Video in 2022, starring Alan Ritchson in the lead role.
What Inspired Lee Child To Write The Jack Reacher Series?
Lee Child was inspired to write the Jack Reacher series after being laid off from his job in television production. He wanted to create a character who was a modern-day knight-errant, solving problems and righting wrongs as he traveled across the country.
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