Thomas Harris

Author:
Thomas Harris

Date of birth: 11-Apr-1940
Place of birth: Jackson, Tennessee, US

About the author:
Thomas Harris (b. April 11, 1940) is an acclaimed American author best known for his gripping psychological thrillers, particularly those featuring the infamous character Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Born in Jackson, Tennessee, Harris grew up in Rich, Mississippi. He attended Baylor University in Texas, where he studied English and worked as a reporter for the Waco Tribune-Herald.

Harris began his writing career in journalism, covering crime stories, which provided valuable insight into criminal psychology and law enforcement—key elements in his later novels. His debut novel, Black Sunday (1975), was a suspenseful tale of terrorism and quickly gained critical acclaim.

Harris cemented his literary legacy with Red Dragon (1981), the first novel to introduce Hannibal Lecter, and The Silence of the Lambs (1988), which won multiple awards and was adapted into an Oscar-winning film. His subsequent novels, Hannibal (1999), Hannibal Rising (2006), and Cari Mora (2019), further showcased his mastery of tension, character depth, and chilling storytelling.

A private individual, Harris rarely grants interviews or makes public appearances, preferring to let his work speak for itself. His novels remain iconic in the thriller genre, captivating readers and influencing popular culture.