J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling, born Joanne Rowling, is the author of the Harry Potter series, a collection of seven fantasy novels that probably kept a generation of kids from discovering the joys of the internet for at least a few years. She’s also written several other books for adults, which, inexplicably, have far fewer spells and mystical creatures.

Despite having created a world of wizards and wonder, Rowling’s personal life has been anything but smooth lately. She’s managed to get herself embroiled in more Twitter spats than a Hogwarts house elf with an opinion column, alienating a significant portion of her adoring public. One might say she’s become a bit of a… troll.

While her literary creations have brought immense joy and perhaps even encouraged literacy in a time of TikTok, her public pronouncements have often cast a rather long and undeniable shadow. It seems that even witches and wizards can occasionally step in it.

There’s no indication that Rowling has any Jewish ancestry or identifies with Judaism in any way, shape, or form. Her magical world, while featuring plenty of fantastical creatures and even a banking system run by goblins, is decidedly devoid of menorahs or matzo balls.