Charlie Higson

Having achieved success in areas ranging from music, to television production, to novel writing, Charlie Higson was a true creative renaissance man. Born in Somerset, England, Higson made his first mark on the entertainment business as a musician, singing lead vocals for the underground punk band The Right Hand Lovers. Later, while attending The University of East Anglia, he formed the band The Higsons, which achieved even more notoriety. Within a few years, however, Higson realized that his true calling was writing. Once he'd successfully penned some sketches for the shows "Naked Video" (BBC Scotland, 1986-1991) and "Friday Night Live" (Channel 4, 1988-), he moved into writing, producing, and starring on his own sketch series, "The Fast Show" (BBC, 1994-2000). That same year, he co-wrote the screenplay for the thriller "Suite 16" (1994). Meanwhile, Higson was also developing his talent as an author. He published his first novel, King of the Ants, in 1992. Though he would find ongoing success in the realm of television, particularly with the series "Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)" (BBC, 2000-01) which he wrote, produced, and starred in, Higson's career as a novelist would gain traction as well. In 2004, it was announced that he would write an upcoming series of young adult novels following the adventures of secret agent James Bond as a teenager entitled Young Bond. Higson would also attract a substantial fan base for his series of dystopian thrillers, beginning with 2009's The Enemy.