Who Is Jeff Kinney? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jeff Kinney is an acclaimed American author, illustrator, and screenwriter, best known for creating the beloved "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series. Born on February 19, 1971, Jeff Kinney is set to turn 54 years old in 2025. His journey from a cartoonist to a bestselling author is an inspiring tale, as he has successfully carved a niche in the children's literature genre. Kinney's work has received various awards, and he remains a significant influence in modern storytelling for young readers.
| Occupation | Game Designer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1971 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Fort Washington, Maryland, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Jeff Kinney's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Jeff Kinney stands at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighs around 170 pounds (77 kg). He has a lean build, which he maintains through a balanced lifestyle. While exact body measurements are not widely published, his healthy physique is often complemented by his casual and approachable fashion sense.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jeff Kinney is married to Julie Kinney, with whom he shares a family. They have two sons, and the family is known for maintaining a relatively private life despite Jeff’s public persona. As of 2025, Jeff has not been reported to have any significant dating rumors or controversies. His strong family values are evident in both his personal and professional life, often reflected in his work targeted towards children and families.
In May 2015, Kinney and his wife Julie opened "An Unlikely Story," a local bookstore and cafe in Plainville, Massachusetts. Kinney advocates that kids should spend time reading as an alternative to screen time.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Jeff Kinney’s estimated net worth is around $70 million. His income primarily comes from the sales of his "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series, which has sold over 250 million copies worldwide. Besides book sales, Kinney has also seen substantial earnings from movie adaptations, merchandise, and his involvement in various media projects. His business acumen in aligning with big-name brands for collaborations has also contributed to his wealth.
Career, Business and Investments
Jeff Kinney's career skyrocketed with the release of the first "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book in 2007. The unique combination of comic strips and text caught the attention of children and parents alike, establishing a new trend in children's literature. As of 2025, Kinney continues to expand the series, with new releases and spin-offs. Beyond writing, he has ventured into animation and interactive projects, further solidifying his legacy in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his writing career, Kinney operates a successful publishing company and has made strategic investments in various ventures related to education and entertainment. His keen interest in promoting reading among children drives many of his initiatives.
Social Network
Jeff Kinney is active on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, where he regularly engages with fans and shares insights into his creative process. His social media presence not only helps in promoting his work but also serves as a platform for him to discuss topics relevant to children’s literature and the importance of reading. As of 2025, he boasts a significant following, making him a popular figure among both young readers and their parents.
In January 1998, Kinney conceived the idea of a middle-school weakling named Greg Heffley, who writes illustrated stories about his personal life. In May 2004, Funbrain and Jeff Kinney released an online version of the story, titled Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The website made daily entries from September of that year to June 2005.
He worked on his book for almost eight years, before showing it to a publisher in New York City, U.S.
Education
Jeff Kinney's educational background includes attending the University of Maryland, where he graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Though he initially pursued a career in technology, his passion for drawing and storytelling led him to create the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series. His education has significantly influenced his storytelling, blending technical skills with his artistic talents.
Kinney attended Potomac Landing Elementary School and later Bishop McNamara High School, where he graduated in 1989. He has an older brother and sister, and a younger brother. He is of Irish descent. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park, in the early 1990s.
It was in college that Kinney created a popular comic strip, Igdoof, which ran in the school student newspaper, The Diamondback. Kinney graduated from the University of Maryland in 1993, originally majoring in computer science but switching to criminal justice in order to have more time to work on his comic.
In 2021 he was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa as an alumnus of the University of Maryland.
