Who Is Michael Morpurgo? Age, Biography and Wiki
Michael Morpurgo, a renowned British children's writer, was born on October 5, 1943. As of 2025, he is 81 years old. He is best known for his exceptional storytelling abilities, which have captivated children and adults alike. Morpurgo's literary career began in the early 1970s, and he quickly rose to fame with works like War Horse, which has been adapted into a successful stage play and film. His passion for storytelling is often intertwined with themes of empathy, nature, and the human experience, making him a beloved figure in children's literature.
| Occupation | Playwright |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1943 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Michael Morpurgo's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details regarding Michael Morpurgo's height, weight, and measurements are not widely publicized, he is often seen as a healthy and active individual who enjoys outdoor activities, reflecting his love for nature—a common theme in his works.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Michael Morpurgo has been happily married to his wife, Clare Morpurgo, since 1961. The couple has three children together, and their family life has played a significant role in shaping Morpurgo's writings as he often draws inspiration from familial relationships and experiences. As of 2025, he remains devoted to his family, and there have been no public indications of marital issues or extramarital relationships.
Both RADA graduates, his parents had met when they were acting in the same repertory company in 1938. His father came from a working-class family, while his mother's family included actors, an opera singer, writers, and poets. They were married in 1941 while Van Bridge, having been called up in 1939 and by then stationed in Scotland, was on leave from the army.
Net Worth and Salary
Michael Morpurgo's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of 2025. His wealth primarily stems from his prolific writing career, book sales, and royalties from adaptations of his works. Alongside his books, Morpurgo has earned income through speaking engagements, educational workshops, and partnerships with various organizations focused on literature and children’s education.
Career, Business and Investments
Morpurgo's illustrious career has seen him author over 130 books, many of which have won prestigious awards, including the Whitbread Children's Book Award and the Children's Book Award. In addition to writing, he is also a co-founder of the children's charity Farms for City Children, offering urban children a chance to experience life on a farm. His investments largely focus on educational initiatives and community projects in literacy, illustrating his commitment to enriching children's lives through literature.
Morpurgo later went to study at King's College London, reading English, French, and Philosophy, and graduated with a third class degree. He then joined the teaching profession with a job at Wickhambreaux Primary School in Canterbury, Kent. He also, in 1968, briefly taught at St. Faith's School in Cambridge.
Social Network
Michael Morpurgo maintains a modest presence on social media, where he shares insights about his life, writing process, and projects. You can find him on platforms like Twitter (@MichaelMorpurgo), where he engages with fans and promotes literacy initiatives. His official website also serves as a hub for updates on his work, upcoming events, and educational resources.
Morpurgo's stepfather was not encouraging to his sons and was disappointed that they were not meeting his expectations for them of going into academia like him, calling Michael "a bear with very little brain." His stepfather decided he should join the army and Morpurgo attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
He quickly realised that a soldier's life was not for him and left after nine months.
He said later that reading the poems of the First World War poets when he was a young soldier were "part of the reason I left the army and became a teacher and then a writer of many books about war in which a longing for peace and reconciliation is always evident."
Education
Morpurgo attended King’s College London, where he studied English and provided the foundation for his successful writing career. His dedication to education continues to influence his work, as many of his books are used in school curricula, inspiring young readers to discover the joy of literature.
Morpurgo and his brother were evacuated to Northumberland when they were very young. After they returned to London, the family lived in Philbeach Gardens, Earl's Court, where the children played on nearby bombsites. Morpurgo went to primary school at St Matthias, Earl's Court.
The family later moved to Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex, where Morpurgo would live during the school holidays, having been sent to a boarding school in Sussex when he was seven years old. The school was very strict and the boys were beaten frequently. During this period Morpurgo developed a stutter.
His unhappy experiences at boarding school would later inform his novel The Butterfly Lion. After six years at The Abbey School in Ashurst Wood, Morpurgo then went to the King's School, an independent school in Canterbury, Kent, where he felt less homesick than at his previous school.
