Who Is Lionel Shriver? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Lionel Shriver was born on May 18, 1957, which makes her 67 years old as of 2025. She was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, and later moved to New York City, where she began her writing career. Shriver gained widespread recognition with her novel We Need to Talk About Kevin, which was adapted into a film in 2011. Since then, she has published numerous works, solidifying her place as an influential voice in contemporary literature.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 18, 1957 |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Birth Place | Gastonia, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Lionel Shriver's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Lionel Shriver stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). Although specific details about her weight are less public, she maintains a healthy lifestyle. Shriver's body measurements are not widely discussed, but she is known for her poised and elegant presence, reflecting her artistic persona.
In the summer of 2024, Shriver was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder, whereby the body attacks its own nervous system and the musculature dissolves. She described the impact in an article for The Free Press: "I went from sets of 500 sit-ups to being unable to do one.
GBS melted the biceps from my two regular 70/60 sets of push-ups into wrinkly bingo wings. My calf muscles from countless thousands of burpees and mountain climbers vanished—leaving droops of crenulated skin as souvenirs. At first, I could only lift a cup of coffee using both hands. I couldn’t turn over in bed.
I’ve had to learn to stand and then to walk, slowly, tremulously, from scratch."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Lionel Shriver is currently single. She has had notable relationships in the past, most notably with English journalist and author, Graham V. Shriver, from whom she took her surname. Details about her dating history are relatively private, as Shriver has often focused on her writing and career rather than her personal life.
Her father, Donald, was a Presbyterian minister who became an academic and president of the Union Theological Seminary in New York; her mother was a homemaker. At age 15, Shriver changed her name from Margaret Ann to Lionel because, being a tomboy, she felt a conventionally masculine name was more appropriate.
Net Worth and Salary
Lionel Shriver's net worth is estimated to be around $4 million as of 2025. This wealth primarily comes from her successful career as a novelist, public speaker, and essayist. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide, contributing significantly to her earnings. Additionally, she has garnered recognition in various literary awards and continues to receive royalties from her published works.
Career, Business and Investments
Shriver's literary career took off with the publication of We Need to Talk About Kevin, which won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2005. She has since written several bestsellers, including The Post-Birthday World and Big Brother. In addition to her fiction, Shriver is known for her outspoken essays and commentary on current events, particularly regarding politics and culture.
Beyond writing, Shriver engages in public speaking and is often invited to literary festivals and panels. Although she has not made significant investments in businesses outside writing, her savvy insights into human behavior and social issues resonate widely, leading to collaboration opportunities.
Social Network
Lionel Shriver maintains an active presence on social media, using platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to connect with her audience. She shares her thoughts on various topics, promotes her work, and engages with fans and fellow writers. Her social media presence reflects her commitment to discussing significant societal issues and her passion for literature.
In 2009, Shriver donated the short story "Long Time, No See" to Oxfam's "Ox-Tales" project, four collections of UK stories written by 38 authors. Her story was published in the Fire collection. Shriver's next novel, So Much for That, was published on March 2, 2010. In this novel, Shriver presents a biting criticism of the U.S. health care system.
It was named as a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction. Her next work, The New Republic, was published in 2012. It had existed since 1998, but had failed to find a publisher at the time. Her 2013 book, Big Brother: A Novel, was inspired by the morbid obesity of one of her brothers.
Education
Lionel Shriver attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism. Her educational background laid the foundation for her writing career, providing her with essential communication skills that she has honed throughout her life.
Shriver was educated at Barnard College of Columbia University (BA, MFA). She has lived in Nairobi, Bangkok, Belfast, and London, and currently resides in Portugal. She has taught metalsmithing at Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp in New Milford, Connecticut.
