Roald Dahl By Andrea Pesoa Sep 13, 1916 Born South Wales 1932 Graduated from Repton 1939 Joined the Royal Air Force 1943 wrote his first children's story, The Gremlins. 1953 married Hollywood actress Patricia Neal 1961 publication of James and the Giant Peach 1962 Tragically lost a child 1964 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 1982 The Big Friendly Giant 1983 The witches 1988 Matilda Nov 23, 1990 Died Oxford