George R.R. Martin is best known for creating one of the greatest series of epic fantasy novels in history with A Song of Ice and Fire. His fantasy novel series has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide (and that number comes from several months ago).

A Song of Ice and Fire also inspired a HBO cable series called Game of Thrones, which is both an award-winning and highly-rated show. Game of Thrones completed its fourth season earlier this year and is currently in filming for its fifth season. George R.R. Martin is a co-executive producer on Game of Thrones.

George Raymond Richard Martin was born on September 20, 1948 in Bayonne, New Jersey. He turns 66 years old today. He is an avid comic book fan, and some of his first published work was letters he wrote to Marvel Comics that appeared in early issues of the Fantastic Four. He still actively appears at many science fiction and comic book conventions.

Happy Birthday, George R.R. Martin!