Who Is Michael Bond? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Michael Bond was born on January 13, 1926, in Newbury, Berkshire, England, and he passed away on June 27, 2017. He is best known for creating the beloved children's character Paddington Bear. As of 2025, fans continue to celebrate his life and contributions to literature, affirming his lasting impact on multiple generations. Bond's storytelling ability and whimsical characters remain integral parts of children's literature even years after his passing.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 13, 1926 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Newbury, Berkshire, England |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 27 June, 2017 |
| Died Place | London, England |
Popularity
Michael Bond's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Michael Bond's height and weight are not commonly documented, he was known for his warm presence and approachable demeanor. The focus of his legacy, however, revolves around his prolific writing rather than physical attributes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Michael Bond was married to his wife, Brenda, in 1956. They shared a loving partnership that lasted until her passing. The couple had three children together, including two daughters and a son. Throughout his life, Bond maintained a close-knit family environment, often drawing inspiration from his own experiences as a parent into his stories. Though he has left us, his legacy continues through his family and the cherished characters he created.
He grew up in Reading, where his visits to Reading railway station to watch the Cornish Riviera Express pass through started a love of trains. His father was a manager for the post office. He was educated at Presentation College in Reading. His time there was unhappy.
He told The Guardian in November 2014 that his parents had chosen the school "for the simple reason [that his] mother liked the colour of the blazers ... she didn't make many mistakes in life, but that was one of them". He left education aged 14, despite his parents' wishes for him to go to university.
The Second World War was under way and he went to work in a solicitor's office for a year, and then as an engineer's assistant for the BBC.
Net Worth and Salary
While exact figures of Michael Bond's net worth at the time of his passing are not publicly disclosed, it is estimated that his estate, largely thanks to the enduring popularity of Paddington Bear, is worth several million dollars. The character's continued presence in books, films, and merchandise contributes to the ongoing financial success of Bond's literary contributions.
Career, Business and Investments
Michael Bond's career began in the 1950s when he started writing for children. The first Paddington Bear book was published in 1958, which became an instant success and paved the way for numerous stories and adaptations. His works have sold over 35 million copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages, making him one of the most notable children's authors in history.
In addition to the Paddington series, Bond wrote various other books and stories, earning accolades and awards throughout his career. Despite his success, he remained humble and dedicated to his craft, with a focus on nurturing young imaginations through literature.
This was the start of Bond's series of books recounting the tales of Paddington Bear, a bear from "darkest Peru", whose Aunt Lucy sends him to the United Kingdom, carrying a jar of marmalade. In the first book the Brown family find the bear at Paddington Station, and adopt him, naming the bear after the station. By 1965 Bond was able to give up his BBC job to work full time as a writer.
Social Network
Even after his passing, Michael Bond's legacy is cherished on various social media platforms. Fans and followers continue to discuss his works, share quotes, and celebrate significant anniversaries related to his literary contributions. Websites and fan pages alike serve as platforms for admirers to keep the spirit of Paddington Bear alive and discuss the different adaptations that continue to emerge years later.
Bond began writing in 1945, when he was stationed with the Army in Cairo, and sold his first short story to the magazine London Opinion. He was paid seven guineas and thought that he "wouldn't mind being a writer".
After he'd produced several plays and short stories, and had become a BBC television cameraman (he worked on Blue Peter for a time), his first book, A Bear Called Paddington, was published by Collins in 1958. Barbara Ker Wilson had read his draft at one sitting and she then phoned Bond at the number given. She was put through to Lime Grove Studios.
Bond had to tell her that he wasn't supposed to take calls at work.
Education
Michael Bond attended Newbury Grammar School and later studied at the Royal Air Force College. His experiences during World War II deeply influenced his writing, shaping the way he viewed the world. He also worked in advertising and television before fully committing to a career in writing, indicating a diverse education and life experience that contributed to his storytelling prowess.
Bond was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), for services to children's literature, in the 1997 Birthday Honours and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2015 Birthday Honours. On 6 July 2007 the University of Reading awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Letters.
Conclusion
Michael Bond's contributions to literature as a children's author remain influential and cherished to this day. His character Paddington Bear continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, ensuring that his legacy will endure through generations. As fans celebrate his life and works in 2025, Michael Bond's spirit lives on, reminding us of the importance of imagination, kindness, and the joy of storytelling.
