Who Is James Clavell? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on October 10, 1921, James Clavell would have turned 104 years old in 2025. He is widely regarded for his epic novels set in the Asian milieu, notably the Asian Saga, which includes works like Shogun, Tai-Pan, and Noble House. Clavell's experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II significantly shaped his writing, instilling depth and realism in his characters and narratives. His combined Australian, British, and American citizenship reflects his diverse background and influences, informing his storytelling style.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1921 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Sydney, Australia |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Date of death | 7 September, 1994 |
| Died Place | Vevey, Switzerland |
Popularity
James Clavell's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While precise physical measurements are not widely documented, Clavell was a tall man, estimated to be around 6 feet (183 cm) in height. His weight fluctuated over the years, particularly during his military service, reflecting his health and life circumstances. His imposing stature complemented his dynamic personality, which was seen in public appearances and literary events.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
James Clavell was married three times during his life. His first marriage to actress Lynne Frederick ended in divorce. He later married his second wife, the daughter of a British Royal Navy Admiral, but that union also ended. In his later years, he found companionship with his third wife, whom he remained with until his death in 1994. Clavell had children from his marriages; however, specific details regarding their current status or personal lives are not widely available.
Born in Sydney, Australia, Clavell was the son of Commander Richard Charles Clavell (d. 23 June 1945), a Royal Navy officer who was stationed in Australia with the Royal Australian Navy from 1920 to 1922. (Richard Clavell's father was Major R.K. Clavell.) Richard Clavell was posted back to England when James was nine months old. Clavell was educated at The Portsmouth Grammar School.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1994, James Clavell's estimated net worth was around $20 million. Given his significant literary contributions, successful adaptations of his works into films and television series, and ongoing popularity, this number has likely appreciated over the years. His estate continues to generate income through royalties, adaptations, and merchandise related to his influential works.
Career, Business, and Investments
Clavell embarked on a varied career that spanned writing, directing, and producing. His first major success came with the novel King Rat, inspired by his experiences in a Japanese POW camp. Clavell's writing encapsulated his deep understanding of culture and human experiences, particularly those involving conflict and resolution.
Beyond literature, he directed films and produced television mini-series adaptations of his novels. Clavell was also involved in investing in various creative projects, enhancing both his influence and financial acumen in the entertainment industry.
After the war, Clavell was promoted to war-substantive lieutenant, with effect from 1 August 1942, and to temporary captain on 10 June 1946, A motorcycle crash, however, ended his military career. On 20 July 1948, he was officially discharged from the army on account of disability, leaving with the honorary rank of captain.
He enrolled with the University of Birmingham, where he met April Stride, an actress, whom he married in February 1949 (date of marriage sometimes given as 1951). He would visit her on the film sets where she was working and began to be interested in becoming a film director.
Social Network
While Clavell was prominent in his time, social media and online platforms did not exist during his lifetime. Nevertheless, his works continue to be discussed and celebrated on various literary forums, social media platforms, and dedicated fan sites. Enthusiasts often share insights on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where the legacy of Clavell’s narratives remains vibrant.
James Clavell (born Charles Edmund Dumaresq Clavell; 10 October 1921 – 7 September 1994) was an Australian-born, British-raised and educated, naturalized-American writer, screenwriter, director, and World War II veteran and prisoner of war. Clavell is best known for his Asian Saga novels, a number of which have had television adaptations.
Clavell also wrote such screenplays as those for The Fly (1958), based on the short story by George Langelaan, and The Great Escape (1963), based on the personal account of Paul Brickhill. He directed the popular 1967 film To Sir, with Love, for which he also wrote the script.
Education
James Clavell received his early education in Australia before moving to England. He later pursued higher education in the United Kingdom. His time spent in military service also provided him with invaluable life experiences that enriched his narrative style. Though he wasn't formally trained as a writer, Clavell's keen observations and understanding of human behavior, drawn from his extensive travels and experiences, played a crucial role in shaping his literary career.
"Changi became my university instead of my prison. Among the inmates there were experts in all walks of life—the high and the low roads. I studied and absorbed everything I could from physics to counterfeiting, but most of all I learned the art of surviving, the most important course of all."
