Author
Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916 in Llandaff, Wales. He published The Gremlins at age 27 and published The BFG at 38.
Roald Dahl was born in 1916 and lived to age 74. Anyone born before 1916 is older than Roald. Anyone over 74 is older than Roald ever was.
Born
September 13, 1916
Llandaff, Wales
World pop: ~1.8B
Died
November 23, 1990
World pop: ~5.3B
Roald's age at death
74
Your age
20
Are you older than Roald Dahl?
No — Roald Dahl was born in 1916. You were born in 2006, making you 90 years younger. Roald lived to age 74. You are currently 20, so you are not yet older than Roald was when he died.
At your age (20), Roald hadn't yet reached his first major milestone. Roald was 27 when he published The Gremlins — that's 7 years from now for you.
Roald's Life Timeline
Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916, in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents. He had a challenging childhood, marked by the loss of his father at a young age and a strict education at boarding schools. These experiences would later influence his writing, as he often drew from his own life for inspiration.
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Dahl began his writing career in earnest after serving as a fighter pilot during World War II. He published his first children's book, 'The Gremlins,' in 1943, which was well-received and marked the beginning of his successful career as a children's author. Over the years, he wrote beloved classics such as 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' in 1964, 'Matilda' in 1988, and 'James and the Giant Peach' in 1961, establishing himself as one of the most popular children's authors of all time.
Roald Dahl passed away on November 23, 1990, at the age of 74. His works have left a lasting legacy, with many being adapted into films, stage productions, and even theme park attractions. Dahl's unique storytelling style and ability to capture the imagination of children continue to resonate, making him a cherished figure in children's literature.
Published The Gremlins
Roald Dahl was 27 years old when he published 'The Gremlins.' This was his first children's book and was inspired by his experiences in the Royal Air Force during World War II. The book's success marked the beginning of his illustrious career as a children's author.
Roald Dahl was 27 years old when he published The Gremlins in 1943. Are you older than Roald was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Published The BFG
Roald Dahl was 38 years old when he published 'The BFG.' This book introduced readers to the Big Friendly Giant and showcased Dahl's imaginative storytelling and unique characters, further solidifying his reputation as a leading children's author.
Roald Dahl was 38 years old when he published The BFG in 1954. Are you older than Roald was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Published Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl was 48 years old when he published 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' This iconic book became one of his most famous works, captivating children and adults alike with its whimsical story and memorable characters.
Roald Dahl was 48 years old when he published Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 1964. Are you older than Roald was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Published Matilda
Roald Dahl was 52 years old when he published 'Matilda.' This story of a gifted girl with neglectful parents resonated with readers and has since become a classic, celebrated for its themes of empowerment and resilience.
Roald Dahl was 52 years old when he published Matilda in 1968. Are you older than Roald was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Received the World Fantasy Award
Roald Dahl was 60 years old when he received the World Fantasy Award. This recognition highlighted his contributions to the fantasy genre and his impact on children's literature, acknowledging his unique storytelling style.
Roald Dahl was 60 years old when he received the World Fantasy Award in 1976. Are you older than Roald was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Published The Witches
Roald Dahl was 73 years old when he published 'The Witches.' This book continued his legacy of engaging children's literature, featuring a darkly humorous tale that has remained popular with readers of all ages.
Roald Dahl was 73 years old when he published The Witches in 1989. Are you older than Roald was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1916 | 0 | |
| 1917 | 1 | |
| 1918 | 2 | |
| 1919 | 3 | |
| 1920 | 4 | |
| 1921 | 5 | |
| 1922 | 6 | |
| 1923 | 7 | |
| 1924 | 8 | |
| 1925 | 9 | |
| 1926 | 10 | |
| 1927 | 11 | |
| 1928 | 12 | |
| 1929 | 13 | |
| 1930 | 14 | |
| 1931 | 15 | |
| 1932 | 16 | |
| 1933 | 17 | |
| 1934 | 18 | |
| 1935 | 19 | |
| 1936 | 20 | |
| 1937 | 21 | |
| 1938 | 22 | |
| 1939 | 23 | |
| 1940 | 24 | |
| 1941 | 25 | |
| 1942 | 26 | |
| 1943 | 27 | published The Gremlins |
| 1944 | 28 | |
| 1945 | 29 | |
| 1946 | 30 | |
| 1947 | 31 | |
| 1948 | 32 | |
| 1949 | 33 | |
| 1950 | 34 | |
| 1951 | 35 | |
| 1952 | 36 | |
| 1953 | 37 | |
| 1954 | 38 | published The BFG |
| 1955 | 39 | |
| 1956 | 40 | |
| 1957 | 41 | |
| 1958 | 42 | |
| 1959 | 43 | |
| 1960 | 44 | |
| 1961 | 45 | |
| 1962 | 46 | |
| 1963 | 47 | |
| 1964 | 48 | published Charlie and the Chocolate Factory |
| 1965 | 49 | |
| 1966 | 50 | |
| 1967 | 51 | |
| 1968 | 52 | published Matilda |
| 1969 | 53 | |
| 1970 | 54 | |
| 1971 | 55 | |
| 1972 | 56 | |
| 1973 | 57 | |
| 1974 | 58 | |
| 1975 | 59 | |
| 1976 | 60 | received the World Fantasy Award |
| 1977 | 61 | |
| 1978 | 62 | |
| 1979 | 63 | |
| 1980 | 64 | |
| 1981 | 65 | |
| 1982 | 66 | |
| 1983 | 67 | |
| 1984 | 68 | |
| 1985 | 69 | |
| 1986 | 70 | |
| 1987 | 71 | |
| 1988 | 72 | |
| 1989 | 73 | published The Witches |
| 1990 | 74 |
