David Morrell's life took a dramatic turn shortly after his birth in 1943, as his father's untimely death in action left his mother to face the daunting task of raising him on her own. In the absence of a male figure, David was sent to an orphanage, a circumstance that would have a lasting impact on his life.
Fast-forward to the late 1960s, when Morrell enrolled at Pennsylvania State University, where he was fortunate enough to have William Tenn, a renowned writer, as one of his instructors. Tenn's guidance and mentorship played a significant role in shaping Morrell's literary ambitions.
In 1972, Morrell penned the novel "First Blood," which would later be adapted into a blockbuster film in 1982, introducing the world to the iconic character of John Rambo, played by Sylvester Stallone. This literary achievement cemented Morrell's status as a respected author.
Morrell's academic career saw him teaching American literature at the University of Iowa from 1970 to 1986, a tenure that ultimately came to an end with his resignation. However, his time at Iowa was marked by a sense of loss when his 15-year-old son, Matthew, succumbed to bone cancer in 1987.
Following this devastating event, Morrell and his family relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he currently resides with his wife and daughter. Despite the challenges he has faced, Morrell has continued to produce a wide range of novels, with "First Blood" remaining his most celebrated work.