J.K. Rowling went from an aspiring writer to the billionaire author behind ‘Harry Potter.’ See her transformation in photos over the years.
J.K. Rowling is a British author best known for creating the Harry Potter novels, the best-selling book series in publishing history. She first came up with the idea for the boy wizard while riding a train in 1990 and quickly began jotting down notes. Seven years later, in 1997, she released Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S.), which launched a global literary phenomenon. Over the next decade, Rowling published six sequels, ending the saga in 2007 with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The books were adapted into a record-breaking film franchise, on which Rowling served as a producer, and they inspired the Wizarding World brand, including theme park attractions at Universal Studios, the Fantastic Beasts spinoff films, and the Tony Award–winning stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which continues to run in theaters around the world. Rowling is also an executive producer on HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series, a new adaptation of the books. Beyond Hogwarts, she has written the bestselling Cormoran Strike crime novels under the pen name Robert Galbraith.
To see more photos of J.K. Rowling through the years, scroll through this gallery.
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J.K. Rowling at ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ Premiere
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J.K. Rowling attending the ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ UK premiere held at Leicester Square, London on November 13, 2018.
December 19, 2019, 12:13PM 2 of 7
J.K. Rowling Talks To Reporters at ‘Cursed Child’ Gala
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J.K. Rowling looks amused while chatting with reporters at a gala for the opening of her new play, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child, in July 2016.
December 19, 2017, 5:17PM 3 of 7
J.K. Rowling Reads ‘Harry Potter’ to Children
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J.K. Rowling visits with some young fans at an event and reads them an excerpt from Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone. Can you imagine how cool it must have been?
December 19, 2017, 5:17PM 4 of 7
J.K. Rowling Walks the Red Carpet
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J.K. Rowling strolls the red carpet, looking lovely in a navy sheath dress and nude sandals, at a July 2016 party for Harry Potter & The Cursed Child.
December 19, 2017, 5:17PM 5 of 7
J.K. Rowling at the Empire State Building
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J.K. Rowling poses on the Empire State Building’s viewing deck before pulling the switch on the building’s iconic lights. She was given the honor as a celebration of Harry Potter, of course.
December 19, 2017, 5:17PM
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J.K. Rowling Signs Autographs
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J.K. Rowling autographs playbills for her devoted fans at a gala celebrating the premiere of Harry Potter & The Cursed Child. They look so star-struck while meeting her!
December 19, 2017, 5:17PM 7 of 7
The World Premiere of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images
J.K. Rowling at the “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” World Premiere at The Royal Festival Hall on March 29, 2022 in London, England.
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