Who Is Dav Pilkey? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Dav Pilkey, an acclaimed American cartoonist and author, was born on March 4, 1966. He is best known for his popular children's book series, including the beloved Captain Underpants and Dog Man. Over the years, his whimsical storytelling and engaging illustrations have captivated young readers around the world. As of 2025, Dav Pilkey is 59 years old, continuing to inspire children and adults alike with his creativity and humor.
| Occupation | Illustrator |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 4, 1966 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Dav Pilkey's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Dav Pilkey stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs around 160 pounds (72 kg). While specific body measurements are not widely publicized, he maintains a healthy lifestyle, which is evident in his cheerful demeanor and active engagement in the creative community.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dav Pilkey is known to keep his personal life private, especially concerning his family and relationships. However, it is reported that he has been happily married to his long-time partner, Sayuri Pilkey. The couple shares a profound love for creativity, often collaborating on projects. While they do not have children, they have a close-knit family that includes Dav's supportive parents.
Pilkey took a break from writing for a few years to care for his terminally ill father (who died on November 13, 2008), but in 2009 agreed with Scholastic to publish four new books.
The first two are graphic novels: The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future, released on August 10, 2010; and Super Diaper Baby 2: Invasion of the Potty Snatchers, released on June 28, 2011.
Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers was released on August 28, 2012, Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers was released on January 15, 2013, Captain Underpants and the Tyrannical Retaliation of the Turbo Toilet 2000 was released on August 26, 2014, and Captain Underpants and the
Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot was released on August 25, 2015.
Additionally, thirteen Dog Man and Cat Kid Comic Club novels have been published since August 30, 2016.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Dav Pilkey's net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. His extensive career as a successful author and illustrator has contributed to his wealth. Each new release, particularly in the Dog Man series, garners significant sales, with millions of copies sold worldwide. Pilkey's ability to consistently produce bestsellers has solidified his financial success in the literary world.
Career, Business, and Investments
Dav Pilkey began his career at a young age, submitting comics to his friends and teachers. His big break came with the publication of Captain Underpants in 1997, which quickly became a staple in children's literature. As of 2025, he has expanded his repertoire to include the Dog Man series, which has received numerous accolades and even adapted into animated content.
In addition to writing and illustrating, Pilkey is a savvy businessman. He has ventured into merchandise related to his characters, contributing to a thriving brand that encompasses toys, games, and animated adaptations. His investments in creative projects continue to flourish as he explores new avenues for storytelling.
Social Network
Dav Pilkey maintains a moderate presence on social media. He engages with his fans and readers through platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates on his latest projects, illustrations, and insights into his creative process. He has created a supportive online community for young readers, often encouraging them to explore their own creativity. Fans can find him under the handle @davpilkey on Instagram.
On March 25, 2021, Dav Pilkey announced on his YouTube channel that he and Scholastic would cease further publication of the book The Adventures of Ook and Gluk, and would remove it from retailers and libraries due to some characters in the book being stereotypes.
Pilkey stated that he intended to showcase diversity, equality, and non-violent conflict resolution. He also stated that even unintentional and passive stereotypes are harmful to everyone.
Pilkey will donate his entire advance, past, and future royalties from the book to organizations promoting diversity that are designed to stop violence against Asians.
Education
Dav Pilkey is a graduate of Kent State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education. His experiences in university, combined with his childhood struggles with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder, fueled his passion for storytelling through comics. He has often highlighted how these challenges shaped his creative journey, turning obstacles into opportunities for inspiration.
Pilkey was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia as a child. In elementary school in North Ridgeville, Ohio, Pilkey was frequently reprimanded for his behavior in class and thus usually sat at a desk in the school hallway, where he created the Captain Underpants character.
In 1987, Pilkey wrote his first book, World War Won, an allegorical fable inspired by the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union, in a national competition for student authors and won in his age category. The book's publication in 1987 was included in the award.
