Fay Weldon

Date of Birth: September 22, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: January 4, 2023

Biography

Fay Weldon, born Franklin Birkinshaw, was a renowned British author, playwright, and essayist known for her witty and incisive critiques of contemporary society, feminism, and gender relations. Born on September 22, 1931, in Birmingham, England, she spent her childhood in New Zealand before returning to the UK. Weldon began her career in advertising, which influenced her later literary works. Weldon’s literary debut came with the novel “The Fat Woman’s Joke” in 1967, which set the tone for her unapologetic and often controversial exploration of women’s lives. Over her prolific career, she penned numerous novels, including the famous “The Life and Loves of a She-Devil” (1983), which was adapted into both a television series and a film. Apart from novels, she wrote plays, short stories, and scripts for television, including episodes of the iconic series “Upstairs, Downstairs.” Her works often blend dark humor with sharp social commentary, making her a significant figure in feminist literature. She received several accolades, including being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2001 for her services to literature. Fay Weldon’s influence extends beyond her published works, as she was also a professor of creative writing, nurturing the next generation of writers.

5 Interesting Facts about Fay Weldon

1. Fay Weldon worked as an advertising copywriter and coined the famous slogan “Go to work on an egg” for the Egg Marketing Board.

2. She was a writer for the popular TV series “Upstairs, Downstairs,” contributing to its success in the 1970s.

3. Weldon was known for her outspoken views on feminism, often sparking debate and controversy.

4. She wrote over 30 novels, numerous short stories, and several plays throughout her career.

5. Weldon was a professor of creative writing at Bath Spa University, where she influenced many aspiring writers.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Fay Weldon

1. “Writing novels is the most exciting.”

2. “The desire for self-expression afflicts people when they feel there is something of themselves which is not getting through to the outside world.”

3. “Men are irrelevant.”

4. “You end up as you deserve. In old age you must put up with the face, the friends, the health, and the children you deserve.”

5. “I love being a writer. What I can’t stand is the paperwork.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Fay Weldon’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Fay Weldon had four children. Her first son, Nicolas, was born from her first marriage to Ronald Bateman. She had three more sons, Dan, Tom, and Sam, with her second husband, Ron Weldon.