Stephen King is an American author known as the “King of Horror,” he has also explored other genres such as suspense, crime, science-fiction, fantasy and mystery.
His debut novel, Carrie, established him as a horror writer, while Different Seasons marked his first major departure from the genre.
Many of his novels and short stories have been adapted into films, TV movies or miniseries.
King has also published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman and has co-written works with other authors, including his sons Joe Hill and Owen King.
He has received numerous awards for his contributions to literature, including the National Medal of Arts in 2015.
| Net worth | $500 million |
| Profession | Author |
| Date of birth | September 21, 1947 |
| Nationality | American |
Background
King was born in 1947 in Portland, Maine, to Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King.
His parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his mother, along with his older brother David.
King’s childhood involved time in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Stratford, Connecticut, before settling in Durham, Maine.
His grandparents, Guy and Nellie Pillsbury, needed care, leading his mother to take over their physical well-being.
King attended Lisbon Falls High School and later the University of Maine at Orono, where he graduated in 1970 with a B.A. in English.
Net worth
King’s net worth is estimated to be around $500 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
He has been a prolific author, with over 60 books to his name, selling more than 350 million copies worldwide.
King’s works span multiple genres, including horror, suspense, fantasy and supernatural fiction.
Many of his novels and short stories have been adapted into successful films and TV series, contributing to his wealth.
Despite his significant fortune, King is known for his down-to-earth personality and his continued connection to the working class.
Real estate
King and his wife, Tabitha, have a long-standing connection to Bangor, Maine, where they own a 19th-century Victorian home.
The property, which features 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, is a stunning example of gothic architecture, complete with iron gates adorned with bats, dragons and spiderwebs.
The house is a popular destination for fans of the author, who often travel to Bangor to catch a glimpse of the residence.
In addition to their home in Bangor, the Kings also own a luxurious property in Casey Key, Florida, which they purchased for $8.9 million in April 2001.
The home spans 6,817 square feet and features 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a tennis court and a sparkling swimming pool.
King has also used his real estate properties as a means of giving back to the writing community.
In 2017, he announced plans to turn his iconic Maine home into a writers’ retreat and archive, allowing aspiring writers to draw inspiration from the property’s rich history and literary significance.
Career
King’s early success with Carrie established him as a prominent voice in the horror genre.
His works often explore themes of good and evil, the supernatural, and the complexities of human nature.
King’s novels are known for their intricate plots, memorable characters, and suspenseful storytelling.
In addition to his horror novels, he has also ventured into other genres, such as suspense, crime, science-fiction, fantasy and mystery.
Some notable works outside the horror genre include The Green Mile, Different Seasons and Hearts in Atlantis.
King has also been a significant influence on popular culture, with many of his works adapted into films, TV series and stage productions.
Some notable adaptations include The Shawshank Redemption, Stand by Me and Misery.
Despite initial critical disparagement, King’s literary contributions have been increasingly recognized.
His work has been featured in magazines such as the New Yorker, Harper’s and Playboy, and he has received numerous awards for his writing.
In 2015, The Weeknd was awarded the National Medal of Arts, and in 2003, he received the National Book Award for his contributions to literature.
Book sales
King is a bestselling author who has sold more than 350 million book copies worldwide.
Some of his most popular novels include Carrie, ‘Salem’s Lot, The Shining, The Stand and The Dead Zone, many of which have been adapted into films and TV miniseries.
Despite some false claims that his book sales have plummeted due to his political beliefs, there is no indication that King’s book sales have seen a significant drop.
His most recent horror novel, Holly, was No. 1 on multiple bestsellers lists, including from Publishers Weekly, The New York Times and USA Today.
King’s success as an author is due to his ability to navigate the line between the common and the supernatural while creating relatable characters and compelling stories.
His heroes are often working-class, and his villains are formidable, providing a source of escapism for his readers.
Carrie paperback rights
The paperback rights to King’s debut novel, Carrie, were sold to Signet Books for $400,000 in 1973.
This was a significant amount for a first-time author, and it marked a turning point in King’s career.
The novel, which explores themes of adolescent cruelty and telekinesis, was initially met with skepticism by King himself, who considered it a “waste of time” and found it difficult to connect with the female protagonist.
However, his wife, Tabitha, encouraged him to continue writing the story, drawing from her own experiences and insights.
King’s manuscript for Carrie was eventually accepted by Doubleday, thanks in part to the efforts of editor Bill Thompson, who saw potential in the novel.
The hardback edition of Carrie was published in April 1974, with an initial print run of 30,000 copies.
However, it was the paperback edition that truly took off, selling over four million copies and becoming a bestseller, particularly after the release of the 1976 film adaptation.
Philanthropic efforts
King’s philanthropic efforts are significant and focused on supporting various causes through the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation.
Established in 1986, the foundation provides grants primarily within the Maine community, with an annual contribution of around $3 million.
King’s philanthropy emphasizes areas such as education, libraries, arts, and local community support.
Following a near-fatal accident in 1999, King became more deeply involved in charitable works, increasing his philanthropic contributions.
He and his wife, Tabitha, have supported causes like education, local fire departments, human resource organizations, and community libraries in Maine.
King’s philanthropy extends to diverse areas, including health, conservation, preservation and the arts, reflecting a broad commitment to improving his community and beyond.
Personal life
Stephen King and his wife, Tabitha, have three children, namely Naomi, Joe and Owen.
Both Stephen and Tabitha are successful authors, and their love for reading and writing has played a significant role in the family’s life.
Naomi, the eldest, was born on June 1, 1970, and is the only child who is not a published author.
She has worked in restaurants and as a minister for the River of Grass Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Florida.
Joe, born on June 4, 1972, is a successful horror/fantasy author and a comic book writer. He is married to author Kelly Braffet and has five children.
Joe’s comic series, Locke & Key, was turned into a Netflix show in 2020.
Owen, born on February 21, 1977, is also a successful novelist, TV producer, and graphic novel author.
He attended Vassar College and then did the MFA program at Columbia University School of the Arts.
Owen is married to author Kelly Braffet and they live in upstate New York.
