Who Is John Grisham? Age, Biography, and Wiki
John Grisham, born on February 8, 1955, is a renowned American author best known for his legal thrillers. With a career spanning over three decades, Grisham's books have sold millions of copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling authors of all time. As of 2025, he is 70 years old and continues to engage readers with his gripping storytelling and complex characters.
| Occupation | Democrats |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 8, 1955 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | Jonesboro, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
John Grisham's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
John Grisham stands at an approximate height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 180 pounds (82 kg). While specific body measurements are not widely published, Grisham maintains a casual and approachable appearance, embodying the image of a classic American novelist.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
John Grisham has been married to his wife, Renee Grisham, since 1981. The couple has two children, Ty and Shea, who have largely stayed out of the public eye. As of 2025, there is no public information suggesting any changes in Grisham's relationship status, and he continues to be devoted to his family.
His father was a construction worker and a cotton farmer, and his mother was a homemaker. When Grisham was four years old, his family settled in Southaven, Mississippi, near Memphis, Tennessee. As a child, he wanted to be a baseball player.
As noted in the foreword to Calico Joe, Grisham gave up playing baseball at the age of 18, after a game in which a pitcher aimed a beanball at him and narrowly missed doing the young Grisham grave harm.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, John Grisham's estimated net worth is around $400 million. His significant earnings stem from his successful book sales, movie adaptations of his works, and various business ventures. Grisham’s books have been translated into numerous languages and have generated substantial royalties, ensuring his financial stability for years to come.
Career, Business, and Investments
John Grisham's literary career began with the publication of his first novel, "A Time to Kill," in 1989. Since then, he has released over 30 novels, many of which have been adapted into feature films, including "The Firm" and "The Pelican Brief."
In addition to writing, Grisham has ventured into legal practice and philanthropy, supporting various educational and charitable causes. His investments largely focus on real estate and local businesses, showcasing his commitment to his community and economic growth.
Grisham attended the Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi, where he hoped to launch his baseball career but was benched instead.
He and two close friends, Bubba Logan and Parker Pickle, transferred to Delta State University in Cleveland where Grisham hoped to revive his baseball career as a walk on player, but he was cut from the team and he left school after one semester. Ultimately, Grisham changed colleges three times before completing a degree.
Although he started there as an economics major, he eventually graduated from Mississippi State University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in accounting after being inspired by a fellow student, a Vietnam veteran, who planned to go to law school.
He later enrolled in the University of Mississippi School of Law intending to become a tax lawyer, but his interest shifted to general civil litigation. He graduated in 1981 with a J.D. degree.
Social Network
John Grisham actively engages with his fans through social media platforms. His official accounts on platforms like Twitter and Facebook provide updates about his latest works, signings, and public appearances, enabling him to stay connected with his reader base.
Grisham graduated from Mississippi State University and earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1981. He practiced criminal law for about a decade and served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1983 to 1990.
Grisham's first novel, A Time to Kill, was published in June 1989, four years after he began writing it. It was later adapted into the 1996 feature film of the same name.
Grisham's first bestseller, The Firm, sold more than seven million copies, and was also adapted into a 1993 feature film of the same name, starring Tom Cruise, and a 2012 TV series that continues the story ten years after the events of the film and novel.
Seven of his other novels have also been adapted into films: The Chamber, The Client, A Painted House, The Pelican Brief, The Rainmaker, The Runaway Jury, and Skipping Christmas.
Education
John Grisham received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Mississippi State University in 1977. He later attended the University of Mississippi School of Law, where he earned his law degree in 1981. This legal background significantly influences his writing, allowing him to create authentic and compelling narratives centered around courtroom drama and legal themes.
Initially, Grisham attended Horn Lake High School, a school that was so overcrowded some classes met in a church or a gymnasium. In 1971, he transferred to Southaven High School, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He credits his 12th grade English teacher, Frances McGuffey, for inspiring his love for reading and for introducing him to the works of John Steinbeck in particular.
