Born: 22 May 1944
Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
Best known as: Author of the Ranger's Apprentice series of children's books
Name at birth: John Anthony Flanagan
A former advertising and television writer, John Flanagan is now known for writing the Ranger's Apprentice fantasy books for young readers. Flanagan grew up in Sydney, Australia, took to writing early, and eventually caught on as an ad agency writer. Later he moved to television and with co-writer Gary Reilly created the sitcom Hey Dad..! The show was a long-running hit on Australian TV, airing over 200 episodes from 1987-94. Flanagan then turned to writing books. His 2004 medieval fantasy The Ruins of Gorlan introduced the character of