Add/Update Information: Hans Christian Andersen - Writer

Danish author who was born in Odense, Denmark on 2 April 1805 to a poor family. Hans developed a passion for art thanks to his parents who introduced him to culture, theatre, and mythology. After the death of his father, Hans was forced to quit his education and work. At age 14, he moved to Copenhagen and worked there as a singer, dancer, and actor. He finally became a soprano at the Royal Danish Theatre but had to leave the job after his voice was changed when he grew up. In 1822, Hans was given an opportunity to complete his education through one of the managers of the Royal Danish Theater who gave him a scholarship to complete his high school education and enrolled him at Copenhagen University in 1827. He wrote many fairy tales and stories, such as "The Little Mermaid", and "The Emperor's New Clothes", many of which inspired numerous animated films and were translated into many languages worldwide.