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Who Is Danielle Steel?
Danielle Steel, a prolific author known for her compelling narratives, published her first novel, Going Home, in 1973. By the end of the 1970s, she had garnered a substantial readership, with subsequent titles such as The Promise, Kaleidoscope, Heartbeat, and Sisters achieving best-seller status. In addition to her novels, Steel has authored a poetry book, several children’s series, and song lyrics for an album, showcasing her versatility as a writer.
Early Life
Born on August 14, 1947, in New York City, Danielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Steel was the only child of John Schulein-Steel, a member of the prominent German Löwenbräu beer family, and Norma da Câmara Stone dos Reis, the daughter of a Portuguese diplomat. Her parents divorced when she was eight years old, and she subsequently split her time between France and New York. This upbringing exposed her to the intrigues of high society, yet she experienced a largely solitary childhood. During this period, Steel developed a passion for literature and fashion, which influenced her career aspirations.
After graduating from the Lycée Français in New York at the age of 15, Steel attended the Parsons School of Design and New York University. However, her academic journey was interrupted by health challenges, including the removal of an ovary due to a tumor, leading her to leave college without a degree.
Early Career
Fluent in both English and French, Steel began her career as a translator before moving to an advertising agency in New York City, known as Supergirls, in 1968. It was during this time that John Mack Carter, then the editor of Ladies’ Home Journal, encouraged her to pursue writing. Following this advice, Steel later worked as a copywriter for the Grey Advertising Agency in San Francisco. Despite her initial struggles to establish herself as a novelist, her dedication to her craft eventually enabled her to support herself through her writing.
Books
Danielle Steel’s literary journey began with the publication of her first novel, Going Home, in 1973. Despite facing initial setbacks with several rejected manuscripts, she returned to prominence with Passion’s Promise (also known as Golden Moments) in 1977. The swift success of The Promise in 1978 marked the official launch of her prolific writing career.
Steel has since authored numerous popular works, including A Perfect Stranger (1983), Kaleidoscope (1987), Zoya (1988), Heartbeat (1991), and The Gift (1994). Her novels are characterized by strong, glamorous female protagonists who navigate significant challenges on their journeys to love and fulfillment. Although some critics have labeled her work as “formulaic,” Steel’s consistency in producing bestsellers has solidified her place in contemporary literature, with a remarkable output of six books per year. Recent titles include The Apartment (2016), Past Perfect (2017), and Fall From Grace (2018).
In addition to her fiction, Steel has published a collection of poetry titled Love: Poems (1984) and the children’s series featuring Max, Martha, and Freddie. Her nonfiction works include A Gift of Hope: Helping the Homeless (2012) and Pure Joy: The Dogs We Love (2013).
Music, Art, and Fashion
With over 100 books to her credit, Steel ventured into music, collaborating with a group of French composers to become a lyricist. Her 2013 album, Love Notes by Danielle Steel, features ten tracks sung in both English and French.
Steel also managed a contemporary art gallery in San Francisco for four years and continues to curate art for her residences. As a devoted fashion enthusiast, she regularly attends haute couture shows.
Book Sales and Records
According to her official website, Steel has authored more than 189 books, translated into 43 languages and published in 69 countries, boasting a staggering total of 650 million copies sold worldwide. She has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for maintaining at least one book on the New York Times best-seller list for 390 consecutive weeks.
Marriages
Steel has been married five times. Her first marriage to Claude-Eric Lazard, a wealthy French-American banker, occurred when she was just 18; they separated in the early 1970s and divorced in 1974.
Her second husband, Danny Zugelder, was incarcerated for robbery when they met in 1972, and their tumultuous relationship ended in divorce later that decade. Bill Toth, her third husband, struggled with heroin addiction, complicating their marriage.
In 1981, Steel married shipping executive John Traina, a union that lasted until 1998. Shortly thereafter, she married venture capitalist Tom Perkins; reports emerged of their separation the following year, with the divorce finalized in 2002.
Children
Steel welcomed her first daughter, Beatrix, with Lazard at the age of 19. Twelve years later, she had a son, Nick, with Bill Toth. John Traina adopted both children after marrying Steel, and together they had three more children: Maxx, Trevor, Todd, and three daughters: Samantha, Victoria, and Vanessa. Tragically, Steel’s son Nick, who battled bipolar disorder, took his own life in 1997 at the age of 19. This profound loss inspired Steel to write His Bright Light: The Story of Nick Traina (1998), which she has described as her most meaningful work.
Movies
More than 20 of Steel’s novels have been adapted into television films, including Crossings (1982), Once in a Lifetime (1983), No Greater Love (1991), and Safe Harbour (2003). The adaptation of Jewels, which aired in two parts shortly after its 1992 publication, received two Golden Globe nominations, including Best Limited Series/TV Movie and Best Actor for Anthony Andrews.
Foundations and Honors
In 1998, following her son’s tragic death, Steel founded the Nick Traina Foundation to support organizations focused on mental illness, child abuse, and suicide prevention. She subsequently established the Yo! Angel! foundation, which provides food and supplies to the homeless population in San Francisco.
Steel has been honored by the French government as an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters and as a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor. In 2009, she was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.
Homes
Steel resides in both San Francisco and Paris, frequently visiting New York and Los Angeles to spend time with her children. Her San Francisco mansion, a 55-room estate formerly owned by sugar magnate Adolph Spreckels, features a notable 30-foot hedge for privacy. In Paris, her apartment—previously owned by royalty—houses an extensive collection of taxidermy specimens, including a giraffe prominently displayed in the foyer.