JK Rowling: A Biography

#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Joanne Kathleen Rowling, commonly known as JK Rowling, is the renowned British author best recognized for writing the Harry Potter fantasy series.

#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 31, 1965, in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, to Peter James Rowling and Anne Volant Rowling. Unfortunately, there is no publicly available information about her passing.

#### Nationality and Profession(s)
JK Rowling is a British citizen by birth and has made a name for herself as an author, screenwriter, and philanthropist.

#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, JK Rowling's early life was not without challenges. Her father, Peter James Rowling, worked as a Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer and later as a general domestic servant at the University of Oxford. Her mother, Anne Volant Rowling, had been a science technician before becoming a researcher at the University of Oxford.

JK Rowling developed a love for writing early on in her life, influenced by her mother's stories about magic and fantasy creatures. She was an avid reader, devouring books from various genres including fantasy, mystery, and crime fiction.

In 1990, JK Rowling traveled to Portugal with her then-husband Jorge Arantes, where their daughter Jessica Isabel Rowling Arantes was born. However, the marriage ended in divorce a year later, leaving JK Rowling as a single mother living on welfare benefits.

#### Major Accomplishments
JK Rowling's writing career took off with the publication of _Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone_ (published as _Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone_ in the United States) in 1997. The book became an instant success, spawning a global phenomenon with subsequent novels that have been translated into over 80 languages.

Throughout her career, JK Rowling has written numerous bestselling books for children and adults, including the Cormoran Strike detective series under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

#### Notable Works or Actions
Some of JK Rowling's most notable works include:

Harry Potter series: A seven-book fantasy epic that follows the journey of its eponymous hero and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Cormoran Strike series (as Robert Galbraith): A crime fiction series featuring a private investigator with a prosthetic leg and a sharp mind.

JK Rowling has also made significant contributions to philanthropy, particularly in the area of multiple sclerosis research. In 2011, she donated $150 million to the University of Edinburgh's School of Literatures, Languages, and Cultures, one of the largest single donations to an arts institution in British history.

#### Impact and Legacy
JK Rowling's impact on literature and popular culture cannot be overstated. Her writing has inspired countless readers worldwide, breaking down barriers between children's literature and adult fiction. The Harry Potter series has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing film, television, music, and even theme parks.

As an author, JK Rowling continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, exploring complex themes such as love, loss, and social justice through her work.

#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
JK Rowling is widely quoted and remembered for her:

Inspirational writing style: Her ability to create immersive worlds, memorable characters, and relatable storylines has captivated readers of all ages.
Philanthropic efforts: Her commitment to charitable causes, particularly in the area of multiple sclerosis research, has made a lasting impact on the world.
* Resilience and determination: JK Rowling's journey from single mother living on welfare benefits to bestselling author and philanthropist is an inspiring testament to the power of hard work and perseverance.

JK Rowling's legacy extends far beyond her writing; she is a beacon of hope, creativity, and inspiration for millions around the world.