Stephen Edwin King
- Born:
- September 21, 1947, Portland, Maine, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author, Screenwriter, Director, Producer, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Raised primarily by his mother after his father abandoned the family when King was two years old.
- Attended Durham Elementary School and Lisbon High School.
- Began writing professionally while in high school, selling stories to his friends.
- Graduated from the University of Maine in 1970 with a B.A. in English.
Career and Major Achievements
- Published his first novel, Carrie, in 1974, which became a commercial success and launched his career.
- Became one of the best-selling authors of all time, with over 350 million copies of his books sold worldwide.
- Received the National Medal of Arts in 2014.
- Awarded the National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters in 2003.
- Known for exploring themes of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, often set in small-town America.
Notable Works
- Carrie (1974)
- The Shining (1977)
- The Stand (1978)
- It (1986)
- Misery (1987)
- The Green Mile (1996)
Film and Television Adaptations (Selected)
| Title | Year | Based On |
|---|---|---|
| Carrie | 1976 | Carrie |
| The Shining | 1980 | The Shining |
| Stand by Me | 1986 | The Body |
| Misery | 1990 | Misery |
| The Shawshank Redemption | 1994 | Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption |
| The Green Mile | 1999 | The Green Mile |
Legacy and Impact
Stephen King's prolific output and consistent success have solidified his place as a literary icon. His influence on the horror genre and popular culture is undeniable. The volume of works adapted for film and television speaks to the enduring power and relatability of his stories.
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