Danny roth was born in london in 1946 and was educated at latymer upper school. this school boasts a long list of famous names in the world of drama, notably the gilbert and sullivan singer, martyn greene, the observer theatre critic, robert cushman, the comedian mel smith and the actors, alan rickman (a contemporary friend of the author's) and hugh grant. at reading university, he graduated with special honors in applied physics. he worked for one of the larger than life assurance companies from 1967 to 1986 as a trainee actuary, qualifying as an associate of the institute of actuaries in 1973. there, he became a very well known as a multi-range sports and games player and as one who had acquired a reputation for outspoken view and controversial opinions on a wide range of topics.