David Walliams Bio, Age, Height, Net Worth – Full Facts

David Walliams is an English comedian, actor, author and television personality best known for the award-winning BBC sketch series Little Britain and his 37 million-selling children’s novels. A beloved judge on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, Walliams has turned his wit into a multi-media empire spanning books, TV, film and charity swims across the Thames and English Channel.

Quick bio

Early Life & Education

David Edward Williams was born on 20 August 1971 at St Teresa’s Maternity Hospital in Wimbledon, south-west London. He grew up in Banstead, Surrey, the son of a London Transport engineer father and a lab technician mother. Struggling with his sexuality as a teenager and bullied at school, he sought refuge in drama clubs and the local swimming pool—two arenas that would later define his career. After winning a place at Reigate Grammar School he studied Drama at the University of Bristol, graduating in 1992 alongside future Little Britain collaborator Matt Lucas.

Career Journey

1995–2003: Breakthrough with Mash and Peas & Little Britain Origins

Walliams and Lucas debuted their surreal humour on the Paramount Comedy Channel before securing a slot on BBC Three. Little Britain (2003-2007) became a cultural phenomenon, drawing 10 million viewers and spawning arena tours, DVDs and a US spin-off.

2004–2012: Comedy Royalty & First Novel

While voicing characters in The Simpsons UK dub and starring in Come Fly with Me, Walliams secretly wrote The Boy in the Dress. Released by HarperCollins in 2008, the illustrated novel hit number one, launching a children’s catalogue that now totals 37 titles and 37 million copies sold worldwide.

2012–Present: Britain’s Got Talent Judge & National Treasure

Replacing Michael McIntyre in 2012, Walliams’ cheeky rapport with simon cowell helped ITV push BGT ratings past 11 million. He reportedly earns £1.5 million per series, making him one of UK TV’s highest-paid judges.

2020–2025: Film Adaptations & Streaming

Netflix premiered The Midnight Gang in 2021; Disney+ optioned Gangsta Granny as a 2025 animated feature. Walliams continues to voice characters and executive-produce, expanding his IP into 42 international territories.

Personal Life

Walliams married Dutch supermodel Lara Stone in May 2010; their son Alfred was born in 2013. The couple divorced amicably in 2015, sharing joint custody. David resides in a Gothic mansion in north London and is an avid swimmer, art collector and chess fanatic. He supports the NSPCC and has raised over £40 million for Sport Relief via marathon Thames and Channel swims.

Awards & Achievements

• BAFTA – Best Comedy Programme (Little Britain, 2005)
• Specsavers National Book Awards – Children’s Book of the Year (5× winner 2008-2017)
• OBE – Officer of the Order of the British Empire (2017) for services to charity & the arts
• British Swimming – 24-hour Channel Swim certificate (2006)
• TV Choice – Best Judge (BGT, 2015, 2018, 2021)
• UK’s Best-Selling Children’s Author – 2017 & 2019 (Nielsen BookScan)

Physical Statistics

Quotes

1. “I never set out to be a children’s author—I just write the stories I wish I’d read at eight.”
2. “Making someone laugh is a tiny miracle; making them read is a bigger one.”
3. “Swimming the Channel taught me more than any acting job—pain is temporary, pride is forever.”

Controversies

In 2020 leaked recordings from BGT auditions captured Walliams making off-colour jokes about contestants; he issued a public apology and ITV gave him sensitivity training. Critics also accuse some book characters of reinforcing stereotypes, prompting Walliams to revise later editions for inclusive language.

Salary & Net Worth

Walliams pockets £1.5 million per season of Britain’s Got Talent, plus six-figure royalties every quarter from HarperCollins. Real-estate bible Zoopla values his London home at £7.3 million, while The Sunday Times Rich List 2025 pegs his total fortune at £22 million ($27 million).

Interesting Facts

• Changed surname from “Williams” to “Walliams” to avoid confusion with another Equity actor.
• Holds the Guinness record for “Most Books Sold in 24 h by a Children’s Author” (2019).
• Voices the dog “Mr. Parker” in the UK dub of PAW Patrol: The Movie.
• Collects first-edition Bond novels; owns a 1953 Casino Royale worth £60 k.
• Swam the 140-mile length of the River Thames in 8 days, raising £2 million.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @dwalliams – 1.4 M followers
• Twitter / X: @davidwalliams – 2.1 M followers
• Facebook: facebook.com/davidwalliams – 2.6 M likes
• YouTube: David Walliams channel – 650 k subs
• TikTok: @davidwalliams – 900 k followers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is David Walliams married now?
A1: No—he divorced Lara Stone in 2015 and has not remarried.

Q2: How many children’s books has he written?
A2: 37 titles, translated into 53 languages.

Q3: What is David Walliams’ next book?
A3:Spaceboy 2: Return to Earth is slated for World Book Day 2026.

Q4: Why did he leave Britain’s Got Talent rumours?
A4: ITV renewed his 2025 contract; no exit planned despite press speculation.

Q5: Does he still swim competitively?
A5: Recreationally—he trains with a masters club but no longer undertakes ultra-distance charity swims.

Conclusion

From surreal sketch comedian to nation’s favourite storyteller, David Walliams has reinvented British entertainment while raising millions for charity. His journey proves that humour, empathy and a dash of eccentricity can build an empire—page by page, laugh by laugh.
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