David Walliams
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| David Walliams | |
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| Name | David Walliams |
| Caption | Walliams in 2011 |
| Birth name | David Edward Williams |
| Birth date | 20 August 1971 |
| Birth place | Merton, London, England |
| Occupation | Comedian, actor, television presenter, author |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Spouse | Lara Stone, 2010, 2015 |
David Walliams is an English comedian, actor, writer, and television presenter, widely recognized for his work in sketch comedy and as a children's author. He first achieved major fame as one half of the comedy duo Little Britain with Matt Lucas. His subsequent career has encompassed roles as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, acting in various television and film projects, and authoring a highly successful series of children's books.
Early life and education
David Edward Williams was born in Merton, London, to Kathleen, a laboratory technician, and Peter Williams, an engineer for London Transport. He attended Collingwood Boys' School and later Reigate Grammar School, where he developed an interest in performing. He studied Drama and English literature at the University of Bristol, graduating in 1992. During his time at university, he was a member of the National Youth Theatre and performed with the comedy troupe The Comedy Box.
Career
His early career involved writing for and performing in various comedy shows, including The Jack Docherty Show and Sir Bernard's Stately Homes. His breakthrough came in 2003 with the launch of the BBC sketch show Little Britain, co-created with Matt Lucas. The show, known for characters like Vicky Pollard and Daffyd Thomas, became a cultural phenomenon in the United Kingdom and spawned live tours and an HBO special. Following this success, he co-created and starred in the aviation-themed sitcom Come Fly with Me.
Television and film work
Beyond his sketch work, he has appeared in numerous television dramas and comedies. Notable roles include a guest appearance on the science fiction series Doctor Who, a starring role in the BBC adaptation of Partners in Crime, and participation in the Sport Relief charity telethon. He has served as a judge on the ITV talent competition Britain's Got Talent since 2012. His film credits include roles in Stardust, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger!.
Literary career
He is a prolific and best-selling author of children's literature. His debut novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 with illustrations by Quentin Blake. This was followed by a string of successful titles including Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy, and Demon Dentist. His books, often illustrated by Tony Ross, are published by HarperCollins and have been translated into over 50 languages. Several of his works, such as Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny, have been adapted for television by the BBC.
Personal life
He was married to Dutch model Lara Stone from 2010 until their divorce in 2015; they have one son. He is a prominent supporter of various charities, most notably Sport Relief, for which he has undertaken several arduous fundraising challenges. These include swimming the English Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the length of the River Thames. In 2006, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to charity and the arts. He has been open about his past struggles with depression and has discussed them in interviews and his autobiography, Camp David.
Awards and honours
He has received numerous accolades for his work in entertainment and literature. For his charitable endeavours, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2006 Birthday Honours. He has won several National Television Awards, including awards for Most Popular Comedy Programme and Most Popular Entertainment Presenter. His literary achievements have been recognized with awards such as the National Book Awards Children's Book of the Year and the Red House Children's Book Award.
Category:1971 births Category:Living people Category:English comedians Category:English male actors Category:English television presenters Category:English children's writers Category:Alumni of the University of Bristol Category:Officers of the Order of the British Empire