Who Is Clive Barker? Age, Biography and Wiki
Clive Barker was born on October 5, 1952, making him 72 years old as of 2025. Widely recognized for his contributions to the horror genre, Barker's talents span across writing, filmmaking, and visual art. With a career that began in the publishing industry, he gained fame through his short stories, especially the collections "Books of Blood" and novels like "Hellbound Heart," which later inspired the "Hellraiser" film series.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1952 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Liverpool, England |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Clive Barker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall, Clive Barker maintains a moderately athletic build. His weight fluctuates around 165 lbs (75 kg), and he has been known to value a healthy lifestyle, especially in maintaining his physical and mental well-being as an artist.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Clive Barker has kept many details about his personal life private, it's known that he has had significant relationships, including a long-term partnership with his boyfriend, a move that resonated deeply with his identity as an openly gay artist and storyteller. His romantic life continues to be a subject of curiosity, particularly as he balances personal happiness with his professional endeavors.
His mother, Joan Ruby (née Revill), was a painter and school welfare officer; his father, Leonard Barker, worked as the personnel director for an industrial relations firm. He was educated at Dovedale Primary School and Quarry Bank High School in Liverpool before joining the University of Liverpool, where he studied English and philosophy.
At the age of three, he witnessed the infamous death of French skydiver Léo Valentin, who plummeted to the ground during a performance at an air show in Liverpool. He would later allude to Valentin in many of his stories.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Clive Barker's net worth is estimated to be around $25 million, accrued through his multifaceted career in writing, filmmaking, and fine arts. His income sources primarily include book sales, movie adaptations, and royalties from various media adaptations of his works.
During his early years as a writer, Barker occasionally worked as an escort when his writing did not provide sufficient income. He has been open about his experiences with sadomasochism, calling himself a "six" on its "sliding scale".
Career, Business and Investments
Clive Barker’s career spans over four decades, showcasing his versatility as an artist. He is not only known for his literature but also for directing films that have become iconic within the horror genre. In addition to his creative pursuits, Barker has been involved in various business ventures, including art exhibitions and merchandise related to his creations. His investments often reflect his passion for the arts and dedication to the genre he represents.
Barker co-founded the avant-garde theatrical troupe The Dog Company in 1978 with former schoolmates and up-and-coming actors, many of whom would go on to become key collaborators in his film work; Doug Bradley, his long-time friend and former classmate at Quarry Bank High School in Liverpool, took on the now-iconic role of Pinhead in the Hellraiser
series while Peter Atkins wrote the scripts for the first three Hellraiser sequels.
Over the next five years Barker wrote nine plays, often serving as director, including some of his best-known stage productions, The History of The Devil, Frankenstein in Love, and The Secret Life of Cartoons.
Social Network
Clive Barker maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. He engages with fans to share insights about his works, artistic projects, and personal musings. His social network serves as a platform for interaction and community building among horror enthusiasts and aspiring artists alike.
Barker is critical of organized religion, but has said that the Bible influences his work and spirituality. In 2017, he clarified on Facebook that he did not identify as a Christian.
Education
Barker attended the University of Liverpool where he studied English and Philosophy. This foundational education played a significant role in shaping his narrative style and thematic explorations in his works. His academic background, paired with his innate creativity, has established him as a cornerstone of modern horror literature.
Barker's involvement in live theatre began while still in school with productions of Voodoo and Inferno in 1967. He collaborated on six plays with Theatre of the Imagination in 1974 and two more that he was the sole writer of, A Clowns' Sodom and Day of the Dog, for The Mute Pantomime Theatre in 1976 and 1977.
