Biography
David Walliams was born on 20 August 1971 in Merton, Surrey, and grew up in Sutton. He studied drama at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and came to national attention through the sketch comedy series Little Britain (2003–2007), which he co-wrote and performed with Matt Lucas.
His first children's book, Mr Stink, was published in 2009. It was written partly as a response to his own feelings of loneliness as a child and partly as a deliberate attempt to write the kind of funny, emotionally honest book he had loved as a boy. The book was illustrated by Quentin Blake, Roald Dahl's long-time illustrator — a connection that was both symbolic and commercially significant.
Walliams became the fastest-selling children's author in the UK within a few years of publication, regularly outselling all other children's authors. His books have sold over 50 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 55 languages. He has been compared to Roald Dahl — a comparison he acknowledges but resists: 'Dahl is a genius. I'm not a genius. I'm just trying to make children laugh.'
Beyond his writing, Walliams has raised over £8 million for charity through sponsored swims — including the English Channel, the Thames and the Strait of Gibraltar. He has been a judge on Britain's Got Talent since 2012.
His books are consistently cited by teachers and librarians as the most effective tool for converting reluctant readers, particularly boys. The combination of gross-out comedy, short chapters, large print and emotional authenticity makes them accessible to children who might otherwise avoid books entirely.