Michael Andrew Bridge Morpurgo was born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, to a family with a rich cultural background. His parents, Tony Van Bridge and Kippe Cammaerts, were both actors, and his older brother, Pieter Morpurgo, would go on to become a director. As the Second World War raged on, Morpurgo, along with his brother, was evacuated to Northumberland as a child, before eventually moving to London and then to Bradwell-on-Sea.
At the tender age of seven, Morpurgo was sent to a boarding school, where he began to develop his love for learning. His father, Tony Van Bridge, was a significant influence on his life, encouraging him to pursue his dreams and even attempting to enlist him in the Army. However, Morpurgo's journey took a different turn when he dropped out of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst after just nine months to attend King's College London, where he studied English, French, and Philosophy.
Before embarking on a successful writing career, Morpurgo worked as a teacher, honing his skills and developing his unique writing style. His first book, "All Around the Year," was co-written with his mentor, the renowned poet Ted Hughes. Over the years, Morpurgo has written dozens of books, many of which have been adapted into movies, including "Friend or Foe" (1982),"When the Whales Came" (1989),and "Private Peaceful" (2012). His work has also been recognized in the theatre, with several productions winning numerous awards, including two Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards.
In addition to his literary accomplishments, Morpurgo is also dedicated to charitable causes that benefit children. He has been married to Clare Morpurgo (nee Lane) since 1963, and they have three children together.
