David Walliams is an English comedian, actor, author and television personality best known for the BAFTA-winning sketch show Little Britain, for his long run as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, and for a series of bestselling children’s books that have made him one of the UK’s most successful authors. His career has spanned sketch comedy, prime-time television and publishing, and in November 2026 he became the subject of a major Guardian investigation, which he denies.
| Full Name | David Edward Williams |
| Date of Birth | August 20, 1971 |
| Age | 55 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Profession | Comedian, actor, author, television personality |
| Known For | Little Britain, Britain’s Got Talent, children’s books |
| Children | One son, Alfred |
| Net Worth | Approx. $25 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is David Walliams?
David Walliams is a comedian and author who first found fame alongside Matt Lucas in the sketch show Little Britain, which ran from 2003 to 2006 and won multiple BAFTA awards. The show’s characters, including Lou and Andy, Vicky Pollard and Dafydd Thomas, became part of British popular culture, and its catchphrases were quoted across the country.
He went on to become a household name as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, a role he held from 2012 to 2022, and as the author of more than 30 children’s books, including The Boy in the Dress, Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny, which have sold tens of millions of copies around the world.
Early Life & Background
David Edward Williams was born on August 20, 1971, in London, England, and grew up in Banstead, Surrey. He attended the University of Bristol, where he studied drama and met Matt Lucas, beginning a creative partnership that would define both of their careers.
Before Little Britain, Walliams worked as an actor and writer, appearing in the sketch show Rock Profile with Lucas and in supporting roles on television. He changed his stage surname from Williams to Walliams early in his career because another performer was already registered under his birth name.
He was married to the Dutch model Lara Stone from 2010 to 2015, and they have a son, Alfred, born in 2013. He has spoken openly about his mental health, including his experiences with depression, and he has completed charity swims for Sport Relief, including swimming the Thames and the English Channel.
Career
Walliams’ breakthrough came with Little Britain, which began on BBC radio before moving to television. The show won BAFTAs for Best Comedy Programme and Best Comedy Performance, and it spawned a US version, Little Britain USA, in 2008. He and Lucas followed it with the airport comedy Come Fly with Me in 2010.
In 2012 he joined the judging panel of Britain’s Got Talent alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. His warmth and humour made him a favourite with viewers, and he won the National Television Award for Best TV Judge. He left the show in 2022.
Alongside his television work, Walliams built a hugely successful career as a children’s author. His first book, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008, and he has since written more than 30 books, many illustrated by Quentin Blake. His books have been adapted for television and the stage, and he has been described as one of the biggest-selling children’s authors in the UK.
Like fellow comedians Dave Chappelle and Steve Martin, Walliams is known for a career that spans decades and for the craft and competitiveness he brings to the game. In November 2026, The Guardian reported accusations that Walliams had used his celebrity status to pursue young women for sex. Walliams denied any wrongdoing, and the newspaper reported that a court had rejected his legal attempt to prevent publication of the story.
Facts About David Walliams
- David Walliams co-created Little Britain with Matt Lucas, which won multiple BAFTA awards.
- He was a judge on Britain’s Got Talent from 2012 to 2022.
- He has written more than 30 children’s books, including The Boy in the Dress and Gangsta Granny.
- He swam the English Channel and the length of the Thames for Sport Relief.
- He was married to model Lara Stone from 2010 to 2015, and they have a son, Alfred.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is David Walliams?
David Walliams was born on August 20, 1971, which makes him 55 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is David Walliams?
David Walliams is 6 feet 2 inches tall (1.88 metres).
Who was David Walliams married to?
David Walliams was married to Dutch model Lara Stone from 2010 to 2015. They have a son, Alfred, born in 2013.
What is David Walliams’ net worth?
David Walliams’ net worth is estimated at approximately $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth (2025).
What is David Walliams best known for?
David Walliams is best known for the sketch show Little Britain, for judging Britain’s Got Talent, and for his bestselling children’s books.