Born in Llandaff, Wales on September 13th, 1916, Roald Dahl was an acclaimed British novelist and screenwriter best known for his works of fantasy, horror, and satire. His works include titles such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and Matilda.
Family
Roald Dahl was born to Norwegian parents Harald and Sofie Magdalene Dahl on September 13, 1916, in Llandaff, Wales. His father was a successful shipbroker who died when Roald was four years old. Dahl's mother decided to raise her children in the UK and sent Roald and his sisters to boarding school.
Despite his early years being fraught with tragedy and distance, Dahl spent his childhood summers in Norway with his grandparents. This time spent in Norway profoundly impacted his writing and inspired many of his later works.
First Marriage and Children
In 1953, Dahl married Patricia Neal, an American actress. They had five children: Olivia, Tessa, Theo, Ophelia, and Lucy. The family lived in England and the United States, where Dahl worked as a writer.
Second Marriage and Children
After his divorce from Patricia Neal in 1983, Dahl married Felicity Ann d'Abreu Crosland. They also had children together, including a daughter Lucy and a son Oskar.
Awards
Edgar Allan Poe Award (1954)
In 1954, Dahl won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for his short story "Someone Like You." The story is about a man who arranges murders for those who cannot do it themselves.
New York Times Outstanding Books of the Year (1964)
In 1964, Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" won the New York Times Outstanding Books of the Year award. The book tells the story of a young boy who wins a tour of a chocolate factory and meets its eccentric owner, Willy Wonka.
Lewis Carroll Shelf Award (1966)
The same year, Dahl won the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." The award is given to books that have become classics in the children's literature genre.
Whitbread Children's Book Award (1983)
In 1983, Dahl won the Whitbread Children's Book Award for his book "The Witches." The book is a dark and humorous story about a young boy who uncovers a plot by witches to turn all the children in England into mice.
Blue Peter Book Award (2000)
In 2000, Dahl's book "The BFG" won the Blue Peter Book Award, which is awarded to the best children's books of the year in the UK. "The BFG" is a story about a friendly giant who befriends a young girl named Sophie and takes her on a magical journey.
Adult Writing Career
After the war, Dahl began his writing career, publishing his first short story in the Saturday Evening Post. He wrote several successful stories for adults, including "Tales of the Unexpected," "Kiss Kiss," and "My Uncle Oswald." However, he is best known for his children's books, which include "James and the Giant Peach," "Matilda," and "The BFG." Dahl's writing is known for its dark humor, vivid characters, and fantastical settings.
Screenwriting for Film and Television
Dahl also wrote screenplays for film and television, including the screenplay for the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice." He also wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," as well as several episodes of the TV series "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."
Health Struggles and Personal Life
Dahl's personal life was marked by several health struggles, including a serious car accident in 1960 that left him with a fractured skull and spine. He also suffered a stroke in 1990 that left him partially paralyzed. Dahl's personal life was also marked by tragedy, including the death of his daughter Olivia from measles encephalitis, which led him to become a strong advocate for vaccination.
Death and Legacy
Roald Dahl died on November 23, 1990, at the age of 74. He left behind a literary legacy that continues to captivate readers of all ages. Dahl's stories have been adapted for stage, screen, and television, and his philanthropic work through the Roald Dahl Foundation has continued to support children's education and healthcare.
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