Who Is Melvyn Bragg? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on October 6, 1939, Melvyn Bragg is currently 85 years old. He hails from Carlisle, England, and has spent decades influencing British culture through his work in television and literature. Bragg is best known for his role as a presenter on the long-running television series "The South Bank Show," which has been pivotal in featuring a diverse range of cultural subjects.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1939 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Carlisle, Cumberland, England |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Melvyn Bragg's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Melvyn Bragg's height and weight are not widely publicized, he is typically described as having a lean build. As he ages, his stature reflects the grace of a well-respected figure in the broadcasting and literary world.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Melvyn Bragg is married to his wife, Dede Bragg, with whom he shares a loving relationship. The couple has been together for several years, and they continue to be a significant part of each other's lives while supporting each other's careers. Melvyn Bragg also has children from previous relationships, which adds to the richness of his family life.
Both the Braggs and Parks, Cumberland families, were agricultural labourers, also working at collieries and in domestic service. He was given the name Melvyn by his mother after she saw the actor Melvyn Douglas at a local cinema.
He was raised in the small town of Wigton, where he attended the Wigton primary school and later The Nelson Thomlinson Grammar School, where he was Head Boy. He was an only child, born a year after his parents married. His father was away from home serving with the Royal Air Force for four years during the war.
His upbringing and childhood experiences were typical of the working-class environment of that era.
Net Worth and Salary
Melvyn Bragg has amassed a substantial fortune over his impressive career as a broadcaster and author. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around £5 million. His earnings stem from various sources, including his television work, writing, and public speaking engagements.
Career, Business and Investments
Melvyn Bragg launched his career in the 1960s as a producer and presenter for BBC Radio. His success expanded to television with "The South Bank Show," which has become synonymous with quality cultural programming. Beyond broadcasting, Bragg is an accomplished author, with numerous works that delve into history, literature, and science.
In addition to his media career, Bragg has made investments in various projects focusing on culture and education, reflecting his commitment to the arts. His legacy includes not just his television work but also his influence as an advocate for literature and the arts in society.
Earlier in his career, Bragg worked for the BBC in various roles including presenter, a connection that resumed in 1988 when he began to host Start the Week on BBC Radio 4.
After his ennoblement in 1998, he switched to presenting the new In Our Time, an academic discussion radio programme, which has run to more than one thousand broadcast editions and is also a podcast. He served as Chancellor of the University of Leeds from 1999 until 2017.
Social Network
Melvyn Bragg maintains an active social media presence, particularly on platforms like Twitter, where he shares insights on literature, culture, and updates about his work. His online interaction with fans and followers showcases his approachable nature and his passion for engaging with the public.
In 2012 he brought The South Bank Show back to Sky Arts 1. In December 2012, he began The Value of Culture, a five-part series on BBC Radio 4 examining the meaning of culture, expanding on Matthew Arnold's landmark (1869) collection of essays Culture and Anarchy.
In June 2013 Bragg wrote and presented The Most Dangerous Man in Tudor England, broadcast by the BBC. This told the dramatic story of William Tyndale's mission to translate the Bible from the original languages to English.
In February 2012, he began Melvyn Bragg on Class and Culture, a three-part series on BBC Two examining popular media culture, with an analysis of the British social class system. Bragg appeared on the Front Row "Cultural Exchange" on May Day 2013. He nominated a self-portrait by Rembrandt as a piece of art which he had found especially interesting.
In 2015, Bragg was appointed as a Vice President of the Royal Television Society.
Education
Bragg received his education from the University of Oxford, where he studied English. This foundation not only shaped his career in broadcasting but also influenced his writing and advocacy for the arts. His academic background has enabled him to become a respected voice in conversations about culture and education.
In conclusion, Melvyn Bragg remains a significant British broadcaster and author whose contributions have enriched the cultural landscape of the UK. With a fulfilling career, loving family life, and a dedication to the arts, Bragg continues to inspire generations to come.
Having produced unpublished short stories since the age of 19, Bragg had decided to become a writer after university. He recognised that writing would not, initially at least, earn him a living, and he took the opportunity at the BBC that arose after he had applied for posts in a variety of industries. While at the BBC, he continued writing.
Publishing his first novel in 1965, he decided to leave the BBC to concentrate full-time on writing.
