Joanne Rowling, known by her pen name J.K. Rowling, is a British author and philanthropist. She was born on 31 July 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, England. Rowling is best known for writing the Harry Potter series, a seven-volume fantasy novel series published from 1997 to 2007. The series has sold over 600 million copies, been translated into 84 languages, and spawned a global media franchise including films and video games. The Casual Vacancy was her first novel for adults, and she writes the Cormoran Strike series under the alias Robert Galbraith.

Rowling conceived the idea for Harry Potter while working as a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International in 1990. The seven years that followed included personal hardships, such as her mother's death and her first marriage's dissolution. Her debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was published in 1997. Six sequels followed, concluding with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in 2007. By 2008, Forbes had named her the world's highest-paid author.

The Harry Potter novels follow a boy called Harry Potter as he attends Hogwarts and battles the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort. Themes of death and the divide between good and evil run throughout the series. The series revived fantasy as a genre for children, inspiring a new wave of fantasy literature and a dedicated fanbase.

Rowling has received numerous accolades for her work, including an Order of the British Empire (OBE) and being made a Companion of Honour for her contributions to literature and philanthropy. Her philanthropic efforts extend to medical causes and supporting at-risk women and children. In 2000, she established the Volant Charitable Trust, and in 2005, she co-founded the charity Lumos.

Rowling's views on transgender issues have sparked controversy and debate. Despite this, she has maintained significant influence in literature and philanthropy, supporting numerous charitable organisations through her trust, Volant, and donating book royalties to aid causes like Comic Relief and Lumos.