Picture a British storyteller who spun Queen Victoria’s diaries into a global TV sensation—meet Daisy Goodwin! With a flair for historical fiction and a knack for crafting vibrant female characters, Goodwin has captivated readers and viewers alike. From bestselling novels to hit television dramas, her work breathes life into the past with wit, emotion, and a touch of modern flair.
Born in London, Goodwin’s journey from history enthusiast to celebrated author and producer is as colorful as her stories. Her unique blend of scholarly insight and creative sparkle has made her a standout voice in contemporary historical fiction, inviting us all to rethink the women who shaped history.
The Making of Daisy Goodwin
Daisy Georgia Goodwin, born on December 19, 1961, grew up in London, the daughter of film producer Richard B. Goodwin and interior decorator Jocasta Innes. Educated at Queen’s College and Westminster School, she later studied history at Trinity College, Cambridge, where her fascination with Queen Victoria’s diaries took root. This passion would later fuel her career. After attending Columbia Film School as a Harkness Scholar, Goodwin kicked off her professional life at the BBC in 1985, producing arts documentaries that honed her storytelling skills.
In 1998, she joined Talkback Productions, rising to editorial director, and in 2005, founded Silver River Productions, which she sold to Sony in 2011. Her television work, including hits like Grand Designs and Escape to the Country, showcased her ability to blend entertainment with substance, setting the stage for her pivot to writing.
Daisy Goodwin’s Unforgettable Stories
Goodwin’s novels are a love letter to strong women navigating the opulent yet treacherous worlds of the past. Her debut, My Last Duchess (2010), published as The American Heiress in the U.S., follows Cora Cash, a wealthy American heiress entangled in the British aristocracy. Critics praised its Edith Wharton-esque wit and emotional depth, landing it on the New York Times bestseller list.
The Fortune Hunter (2014) dives into the Gilded Age, exploring a love triangle involving Empress Sisi and a dashing horseman, blending romance with historical intrigue. Victoria (2016), inspired by her Cambridge studies, vividly portrays the young queen’s ascent, drawing from her diaries to craft a spirited, relatable monarch. Her latest, Diva (2024), reimagines Maria Callas’s tumultuous life, earning acclaim for its visceral depiction of ambition and heartbreak. Goodwin’s style—lush, character-driven, and meticulously researched—brings history to life with a modern feminist lens.
Beyond novels, Goodwin has curated eight poetry anthologies, like 101 Poems That Could Save Your Life, and penned a memoir, Silver River (2007). Her television series Victoria (2016–2019), which she created and wrote, became a global hit, selling to 146 countries and earning praise for its fresh take on royal drama.
Why Daisy Goodwin Matters
Daisy Goodwin’s impact lies in her ability to make history accessible and emotionally resonant. Her works celebrate women who defy convention, from queens to opera divas, offering readers a lens into their struggles and triumphs. By blending historical accuracy with contemporary sensibilities, she bridges past and present, inspiring a new generation to explore the stories of remarkable women.
Her television productions have redefined historical drama, with Victoria often compared favorably to The Crown for its vibrant storytelling. As a trustee of the London Library and Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival, Goodwin continues to champion literature and the arts, cementing her legacy as a cultural force.
- Born: December 19, 1961, London, UK
- Key Works: My Last Duchess, The Fortune Hunter, Victoria, Diva, Victoria (TV series)
- Notable Roles: Chairman of the 2010 Orange Prize for Fiction, Trustee of the London Library
Ready to step into Daisy Goodwin’s world? Grab Victoria or Diva and lose yourself in her dazzling historical adventures!