Who Is Dave Pelzer? Age, Biography and Wiki
Dave Pelzer, born on December 29, 1960, is a renowned American author best known for his memoir, A Child Called It, which recounts his traumatic experiences during childhood. He has since established a successful career as a motivational speaker and a writer, advocating for victims of child abuse. Pelzer’s journey from a troubled past to a successful present is inspirational, illustrating his resilience and determination to overcome adversity. As of 2025, Dave Pelzer is 64 years old.
| Occupation | Motivational Speaker |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1960 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Daly City, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Dave Pelzer's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Dave Pelzer stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs around 170 pounds (77 kg). His physique reflects his dedication to fitness and wellness, attributes that he often highlights in his motivational speaking engagements.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dave Pelzer has been relatively private about his personal life, particularly when it comes to romantic relationships. As of 2025, there are no public confirmations regarding a boyfriend or girlfriend. Pelzer has often focused on healing and personal growth, which may indicate his emphasis on self-relationship at this stage of life. While he has a strained relationship with some family members due to his past, he also has a strong support network that includes friends and fellow advocates.
He grew up in Daly City, California. He is the son of Catherine Roerva Christensen Pelzer (1929–1992) and San Francisco fireman Stephen Joseph Pelzer (1923–1980). Pelzer's books describe the abuse he suffered for several years of his childhood, including continual mistreatment and beatings by his mother, who he said thought of it as a game.
His teachers stepped in on March 5, 1973, and 12-year-old Pelzer was placed in foster care. At age 18, in 1979, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served in the Gulf War. In the 1980s, Pelzer married his first wife, Patsy (a pseudonym), with whom he had a son. In 1996, he carried a torch in the Summer Olympics torch relay.
Pelzer and Patsy divorced, and many years later, he married his second wife, Marsha Donohoe, who was his editor.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Dave Pelzer's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. His earnings primarily stem from book sales, speaking engagements, and various media appearances. Pelzer's success as an author and motivational speaker has afforded him a comfortable lifestyle, and he continues to be influential in raising awareness about child abuse and its long-term effects.
Career, Business and Investments
Dave Pelzer’s career took off with the publication of A Child Called It in 1995, which became a bestseller and catapulted him into the public eye. Following his initial success, he authored several other books, including The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave, further detailing his life and the journey of healing.
In addition to his writing, Pelzer has founded various charitable organizations aimed at supporting abused children and advocating for their rights. His speaking engagements are highly sought after, and he often speaks at schools, conferences, and corporate events, spreading his message of hope and resilience.
Social Network
In today’s digital age, Dave Pelzer maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where he shares motivational quotes, updates on his projects, and personal anecdotes from his journey. His social media not only connects him to his readers but also serves as a platform to raise awareness about child abuse and its implications.
One of Pelzer's brothers, Richard B. Pelzer, published his own autobiography, A Brother's Journey, that detailed his experiences. Richard Pelzer said in the afterword of his book that his objective for his story was to show how a parent can become abusive and how the human spirit can triumph and survive.
Education
Dave Pelzer pursued his education with a focus on developing his understanding of psychology and human behavior, which has influenced both his writing and motivational speaking. While specific details about his formal education may not be widely documented, his life experiences have undeniably shaped his knowledge and insight into the human condition.
Pelzer does community work and has given lectures across the country. As a motivational speaker, he speaks to high school students and adults about the concept of resilience.
