George Raymond Richard Martin, known as G.R.R.M., was born on September 20, 1948. He is an American author, television writer, and producer, best known for the epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, which was adapted into the Emmy Award-winning series Game of Thrones (2011–2019) and its prequel, House of the Dragon (2022–present).
Martin contributed to the Wild Cards anthology and helped with worldbuilding for the video game Elden Ring (2022). He resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where March 29 is celebrated as George R. R. Martin Day.
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George RR Martin Net Worth
George R.R. Martin has an estimated net worth of $120 million. Through television and book sales, he generates around $25 million annually.
For each season of HBO’s Game of Thrones, his paycheck reached $15 million, totaling approximately $200 million earned from the series alone. With future spin-offs on the horizon, his earnings could significantly increase.
Early life
George Raymond Martin, who adopted the confirmation name Richard at 13, was born on September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. The son of longshoreman Raymond Martin and Margaret Brady, he has Irish heritage and two younger sisters. Martin’s family struggled after losing their wealth during the Great Depression.
He became an avid reader and began writing stories for neighborhood children, inspired by his love for comic books, particularly from Marvel Comics. He earned a B.S. in journalism from Northwestern University in 1970 and served as a VISTA volunteer during the Vietnam War.
Career
George R.R. Martin began selling science fiction short stories professionally in 1970 at age 21, with his first sale, “The Hero,” appearing in Galaxy magazine in February 1971. His story “With Morning Comes Mistfall” earned nominations for the Hugo and Nebula Awards in 1973. His first novel, Dying of the Light, was published in 1977. Despite early successes, he struggled financially and became a tournament director for the Continental Chess Association. This role provided income and allowed him to write full-time until the chess craze declined.
Personal life
In the early 1970s, George R.R. Martin was in a relationship with author Lisa Tuttle, co-writing Windhaven. He married Gale Burnick in 1975, and they moved to Dubuque in 1976. Tired of harsh winters, they relocated to New Mexico after falling in love with Santa Fe.
However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1979 before they could reunite there. Martin later partnered with Parris McBride, marrying her on February 15, 2011, in Santa Fe. They held a larger ceremony at the 69th World Science Fiction Convention later that year, with no children.
How many books has George RR Martin sold?
Martin had sold over 90 million books worldwide, joining the ranks of the most widely sold authors like J.R.R. Tolkien.
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Conclusion
George R.R. Martin’s journey from a humble beginning to becoming a literary and television titan is as epic as the stories he writes. His net worth, built through his expansive universe of “A Song of Ice and Fire” and its adaptations, stands as a testament to his talent, perseverance, and the enduring appeal of great storytelling.
FAQs about George RR Martin Net Worth
- What is George R.R. Martin’s main source of income?
Martin’s primary income source has been his successful career as an author, particularly the earnings from his “A Song of Ice and Fire” series and its television adaptation. - Did George R.R. Martin’s wealth increase after “Game of Thrones”?
Yes, Martin’s wealth significantly increased following the success of the “Game of Thrones” TV series, which boosted book sales and his earnings from the show. - What other projects contribute to Martin’s net worth?
Apart from his novels, Martin’s earnings also come from his involvement in television productions, short stories, and his role in creating video games like “Elden Ring.” - Is George R.R. Martin one of the richest authors in the world?
While Martin is incredibly wealthy, he’s generally not considered at the very top among the richest authors globally, a list that includes names like J.K. Rowling and James Patterson. - How has Martin’s background influenced his writing and success?
Martin’s modest upbringing and vast reading during his childhood have greatly influenced his storytelling style and themes, grounding his fantastical worlds with a sense of reality and human complexity.
