Discover how Robert Thorogood’s childhood boredom and love for Agatha Christie led him to create Death in Paradise. From struggling writer to TV sensation, Thorogood’s journey is one you won’t want to miss!
How a Bored Childhood Sparked the Creation of Death in Paradise
The Boredom That Changed Everything
When Robert Thorogood looks back at his childhood, he recalls a time filled with endless boredom at his great aunt’s farm. This time, spent skipping geography classes and immersing himself in Agatha Christie novels, would eventually lead him to create one of the UK's most beloved crime dramas, Death in Paradise.
As a young boy, Thorogood never imagined that these quiet moments of reading murder mysteries would pave the way for his future success. It was a life-changing realization when, at 37 years old, Death in Paradise premiered on BBC One.
From Skipping Geography to Writing Murder Mysteries
Growing up in Colchester, Robert Thorogood was never quite the model student. Instead of focusing on his studies, he spent his time buried in books, particularly the works of Agatha Christie. “I skived off my Geography lessons to read,” Thorogood admits. But what seemed like wasted time at the time turned out to be crucial for his future career.
“I thought I was just having fun, but later realized that obsessive passion for mysteries was something I could turn into a career,” he adds. His early influences included not just Christie, but also Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton, whose works helped shape his love for storytelling.
Struggling Writer to Breakout Success: How Death in Paradise Changed Robert’s Life
For years, Thorogood struggled to gain traction as a writer. His 20s were filled with secretarial jobs and working at theatre companies, but no significant writing accomplishments to show for it.
“I often dreaded the question, ‘How’s the writing going?’” he recalls. However, it wasn’t until his 30s that he found his voice, and Death in Paradise catapulted him to fame.
The Death in Paradise Phenomenon: A Hit that Took Robert Thorogood from Zero to Hero
When Death in Paradise premiered in 2011, it took Robert Thorogood's career from zero to 100 without the usual in-between steps. The crime comedy-drama, set on the idyllic island of Saint Marie (a fictionalized version of Guadeloupe), quickly became a hit.
The series, which blends murder mysteries with humor, has aired 13 seasons and spawned two spin-off shows, including Return to Paradise. Thorogood, who co-wrote both Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise, has enjoyed massive success with his creations.
Beyond Death in Paradise: Robert Thorogood’s Latest Venture
As Return to Paradise premiered in November 2024, Thorogood continues to explore new avenues in his career. In addition to writing TV shows, he’s working on the fifth book in The Marlow Murder Club series, which has already been adapted for TV.
Despite his current success, Thorogood looks back fondly on his humble beginnings. “I romanticize my days before the fame,” he says, remembering the freedom of writing without the pressure of contracts and deadlines.
Fun Fact: The Death in Paradise Spin-Offs are Just the Beginning
Did you know that Death in Paradise has inspired not just one, but two spin-offs? Beyond Paradise, which explores a new setting and characters, and Return to Paradise, a collaboration between BBC and Red Planet Pictures, have both captivated audiences and expanded the Death in Paradise universe.
Why Robert Thorogood’s Story is More Than Just a Success Story
Robert’s journey from a struggling writer to one of the most well-known names in British television is a testament to perseverance and passion. It proves that even the most seemingly insignificant moments—like reading Agatha Christie novels at a great aunt’s farm—can shape your destiny in ways you never expect.
His success also highlights an important lesson for aspiring writers and creatives: sometimes, the years spent figuring things out are the very ones that set you up for success in the long run.
FAQ:
Q: How did Robert Thorogood create Death in Paradise?
A: Robert Thorogood’s passion for murder mysteries, sparked by his love of Agatha Christie novels during his childhood, led him to create Death in Paradise at age 37, after years of writing and working various jobs.
Q: What is the latest Death in Paradise spin-off?
A: The latest spin-off, Return to Paradise, premiered in November 2024. It follows new adventures in the same beloved universe as Death in Paradise.
Q: Has Robert Thorogood written other books?
A: Yes! Thorogood is also the author of The Marlow Murder Club series, which has been adapted into a TV show.
Conclusion: Robert Thorogood’s Unlikely Path to Success
Robert Thorogood’s life story is an inspiring example of how persistence and passion can lead to unexpected successes. From his early days of boredom at his great aunt's farm to becoming a successful writer with two hit TV shows, Thorogood's journey shows that sometimes the road to success isn't a straight line—it’s the detours that make all the difference.
What are your thoughts on Thorogood’s incredible journey? Let us know in the comments below!
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