Robertson Davies Biography: Quotes, Books, Movies, Age, Wikipedia, Net Worth, Family

Robertson Davies was a distinguished Canadian novelist, playwright, and critic, celebrated for his insightful exploration of Canadian identity and culture.

Born on August 28, 1913, in Thamesville, Ontario, he became a leading figure in Canadian literature through works such as Fifth Business and the Deptford Trilogy.

His writing often includes themes of mythology, psychology, and the complexities of human relationships.

Profile

• Full name: William Robertson Davies
• Date of birth: August 28, 1913
• Age as of 2025: 112 (deceased)
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Thamesville, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Profession: Novelist, playwright, critic, journalist, professor
• Height:
• Parents: William Rupert Davies and Florence Sheppard McKay
• Siblings: Frederick Rupert McKay Davies and Arthur Llewellyn Davies
• Spouse: Brenda Matthews
• Children: Renna Davies, Rosamond Davies and Shelagh Davies
• Relationship status: Married
• Ethnicity: Caucasian
• Net worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Robertson Davies is now posthumously at the age of 112 as of 2025, and was born on August 28, 1913. He was raised in a family that valued education and literature; his father, William Rupert Davies was a senator and newspaper owner and Florence Sheppard McKay. He has two brothers named Frederick Rupert McKay Davies and Arthur Llewellyn Davies.

Davies attended Upper Canada College and later studied at Queen’s University before completing his education at Balliol College, Oxford. His early exposure to drama sparked a lifelong interest in theatre. After returning to Canada, he initially pursued acting but eventually shifted his focus to writing.

Personal Life

Davies married Brenda Matthews in 1940 after meeting her at Oxford. They shared a deep bond throughout their marriage until her passing in 1995.

The couple have three children: Renna Davies, Rosamond Davies and Shelagh Davies. Throughout his life, Davies maintained close relationships with many prominent figures in Canadian literature and culture.

Career

Davies’s literary career began with the publication of his first novel in the 1950s. He gained significant recognition with the Salterton Trilogy and later the Deptford Trilogy, which includes Fifth Business, The Manticore, and World of Wonders.

His works often incorporate elements of magic realism and explore profound philosophical questions. In addition to his novels, Davies was instrumental in promoting Canadian theatre and served as a founding member of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

Awards

Robertson Davies received numerous accolades throughout his career:

• Governor General’s Award (1972)
• Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour (1955)
• Lorne Pierce Medal (1961)
• Companion of the Order of Canada
• Honorary degrees from multiple universities

Net Worth

Robertson Davies’s net worth at the time of his demise was arund $5 million. His income primarily came from his successful writing career and various academic roles.

Death

Robertson Davies passed away on December 2, 1995, at the age of 82 in Orangeville, Ontario.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: N/A

Books

• Fifth Business
• The Manticore
• World of Wonders
• The Rebel Angels
• Leaven of Malice
• What’s Bred in the Bone
• The Lyre of Orpheus