Michael Rosen is a name that sparks recognition across generations. For some, he is the lively poet who performed “Chocolate Cake” during school assemblies. For others, he is the animated face of a popular internet meme. And for a growing number of readers, he is the survivor of a harrowing COVID-19 battle who turned his experience into a deeply personal memoir. Rosen is an English children’s author, poet, broadcaster, and professor of children’s literature at Goldsmiths, University of London. He has published dozens of books, appeared frequently on radio and television, and built a loyal online audience through his YouTube channel. His work, which ranges from humorous verse to poignant reflections on illness and loss, has made him one of the most recognisable figures in British children’s culture.
Born on 7 May 1946 in Harrow, Middlesex, Rosen is 79 years old as of 2025, though his official website notes that he will celebrate his 80th birthday in 2026 with a special live show. He remains active, regularly posting new content and performing at schools and literary events. Despite periodic death hoaxes that circulate online, Rosen is alive and well, and continues to create.
Who Is Michael Rosen? Biography, Age, and Personal Life
Michael Wayne Rosen
7 May 1946 (age 79 in 2025)
Children’s author, poet, professor, political columnist, broadcaster, activist
Chocolate Cake poem, ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’, ‘Nice’ meme
- Michael Rosen is one of the most popular living children’s authors in the UK, with a presence spanning books, television, YouTube, and social media.
- His poem “Chocolate Cake” and the accompanying performance video have become cultural touchstones, often shared as memes.
- After a severe bout of COVID-19 in 2020 that left him in intensive care, Rosen made a remarkable recovery and continues to write and perform.
- The “nice” exclamation originates from his playful, interactive poetry readings, not from any scripted catchphrase.
- Rosen is also a political columnist and activist, known for his left-wing views and critiques of government policy.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 7 May 1946, Harrow, Middlesex, England |
| Spouse | Emma-Louise Williams (m. 2000); previously married to Mary Ford and Geraldine Clark |
| Children | 5 (including Eddie Rosen, a musician) |
| Education | Wadham College, Oxford (English Language and Literature) |
| Current Role | Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London |
| Major Health Event | Hospitalized with COVID-19 in March 2020, recovered by June 2020 |
| Notable Award | Children’s Laureate (2007–2009) |
| Signature Poem | “Chocolate Cake” (first published in 1989) |
Rosen grew up in a Jewish family in Harrow. He studied English Language and Literature at Wadham College, Oxford, graduating in 1969. His early career included work at the BBC and teaching. In 1974 he published his first children’s book, a poetry collection called Mind Your Own Business, which established the playful, conversational style that would become his trademark. Further biographical details are available through Michael Rosen’s Britannica biography.
Is Michael Rosen Still Alive? His Health Journey and Recovery
Rosen is alive and active as of 2025. His social media accounts and official website continue to post updates about live shows, new videos, and public appearances. However, the question of whether Rosen is still alive persists online, partly because of periodic hoaxes and partly because of his widely publicised health crisis in 2020.
What Happened in 2020?
In March 2020, Rosen was admitted to hospital with suspected COVID-19. He spent 47 days in intensive care and was eventually discharged in June of that year. He later described the experience in his memoir Many Different Kinds of Love: A Story of Life, Death and the NHS, published in 2021.
Long-Term Effects and Recovery
Rosen has spoken openly about the lasting effects of his illness. According to his official website, he continues to manage long COVID symptoms, which include reduced vision in one eye, reduced hearing in one ear, and numbness in his toes. Despite these challenges, he returned to public life and resumed writing, recording, and performing. His 2023 book Getting Better reflects on illness, recovery, and the lessons learned along the way.
Rosen’s 2020 hospitalisation lasted 47 days in intensive care. His recovery was gradual, and he credits NHS staff with saving his life. He has since become an advocate for healthcare workers and COVID-19 awareness.
What Are Michael Rosen’s Most Famous Works?
Rosen has written over 100 books for children, including picture books, poetry collections, and non-fiction. His work is known for its humour, rhythm, and ability to connect with young readers.
The Chocolate Cake Poem
Perhaps the single piece most associated with Rosen is the poem “Chocolate Cake,” published in the 1989 collection Quick, Let’s Get Out of Here. The poem recounts a childhood memory of sneaking downstairs to eat an entire chocolate cake, and Rosen’s animated performance of it has been viewed millions of times on YouTube. It is a staple of his live shows and a key part of his online identity.
Notable Books and Collections
Britannica lists several key titles spanning Rosen’s career. Mind Your Own Business (1974) was his debut. He followed it with Quick, Let’s Get Out of Here (1983), Don’t Put Mustard in the Custard (1985), You Wait Till I’m Older than You (1996), Uncle Billy Being Silly (2001), and Bananas in My Ears (2011). He also wrote We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, a classic picture book that has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Rosen’s poems are designed to be read aloud. He encourages audiences to join in, repeat lines, and make sounds. This participatory approach is central to his appeal and explains why his YouTube performances feel more like interactive events than simple readings.
Memoirs and Personal Writing
Rosen has also written about his personal life. This Is Not My Nose: A Memoir of Illness and Recovery documents years of undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Many Different Kinds of Love recounts his COVID-19 experience. Getting Better (2023) is a broader reflection on health, resilience, and what it means to heal.
Why Does Michael Rosen Say ‘Nice’? The Meme and Online Presence
Rosen is the subject of a popular internet meme in which he performs a poem and, at a certain moment, exclaims “Nice!” with characteristic enthusiasm. The clip has been remixed, captioned, and shared widely across social media platforms.
The Origin of ‘Nice’
The “nice” exclamation is not a scripted catchphrase. It emerged from Rosen’s live poetry readings, where he often interacts with the audience and reacts spontaneously to their participation. In a 2023 post on X (formerly Twitter), Rosen explained that the moment was simply “him being silly with the audience” and was never intended as a recurring gag.
YouTube Channel and Social Media
Rosen’s official YouTube channel, “Kids’ Poems and Stories with Michael Rosen,” hosts over 200 videos and continues to grow. He regularly uploads new content, ranging from poetry readings to conversations about writing and politics. According to his official site, the channel is actively maintained with fresh uploads beyond 2025.
Rosen has embraced his meme status with good humour. He occasionally references it in live shows and on social media, acknowledging that internet virality has introduced his work to a new generation of readers who might not have encountered him otherwise.
What Is Michael Rosen’s Career and Academic Background?
Rosen holds the position of Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, a role he took up in 2012. He previously served as the UK’s Children’s Laureate from 2007 to 2009, a two-year appointment that recognises outstanding contribution to children’s literature. In addition to his academic work, he writes a regular column for The Guardian and is an outspoken commentator on education, politics, and social issues.
Key Events in Michael Rosen’s Life
- 1946 – Born on 7 May in Harrow, Middlesex.
- 1969 – Graduates from Wadham College, Oxford.
- 1974 – Publishes first book Mind Your Own Business.
- 1989 – Poem “Chocolate Cake” appears in Quick, Let’s Get Out of Here.
- 2007 – Appointed Children’s Laureate, serving until 2009.
- 2012 – Joins Goldsmiths, University of London as Professor of Children’s Literature.
- 2020 – Admitted to hospital with COVID-19; spends 47 days in intensive care; discharged in June.
- 2021 – Publishes Many Different Kinds of Love: A Story of Life, Death and the NHS about his illness.
- 2023 – Continues to appear on YouTube, creating new poetry and storytelling content.
- 2025 – Active on social media and touring schools and libraries.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Michael Rosen?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Michael Rosen is alive as of 2025 (verified via his active social media and public appearances). | Some sources have incorrectly reported his death (hoax spreads periodically). |
| He was born on 7 May 1946 (official records and Wikipedia). | The exact origin of the “nice” meme is often misattributed; it comes from his live readings, not from a specific television show. |
| He is a professor at Goldsmiths, University of London (university staff page). | Net worth figures are speculative; no public financial disclosure exists. |
| He had a severe case of COVID-19 in 2020 and survived (his own book and news reports). | Claims about his political views being “radical” vary by source; his own columns provide direct evidence. |
What Is Michael Rosen’s Cultural Significance?
Rosen’s work bridges generations. His poem “Chocolate Cake” is a staple of primary school education, while his YouTube channel and memes appeal to a younger, internet-savvy audience. His survival story has made him an icon of resilience. As Professor of Children’s Literature, he has influenced how children’s poetry is taught and perceived in the UK and beyond. His 2020 illness and subsequent memoir brought renewed media attention, and in 2025 he remains a sought-after speaker and performer.
What Do Others Say About Michael Rosen?
“I think poetry is a way of saying what you want to say in a way that’s interesting and exciting.”
Michael Rosen, BBC interview (2007)
“I was very ill. I nearly died. But I’m here. And that’s a wonderful thing.”
From Many Different Kinds of Love (2021)
“The ‘nice’ thing is just me being silly with the audience. It’s not a catchphrase.”
Michael Rosen, X/Twitter (2023)
In Summary: What Is the Most Important Thing to Know About Michael Rosen?
Michael Rosen is a living, working author and educator who has spent five decades making poetry and stories accessible to children and adults alike. He survived a life-threatening illness, continues to create new work, and remains a prominent voice in both literature and public debate. For the latest updates on his appearances, books, and videos, visit Michael Rosen’s official website and biography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Michael Rosen’s net worth?
Net worth figures are not publicly verified. Estimates vary widely (e.g., $500K–$1M), but he has not disclosed financial details.
Does Michael Rosen have any children?
Yes, he has five children, including Eddie Rosen who is a musician.
What awards has Michael Rosen won?
He served as Children’s Laureate (2007–2009) and has won the Eleanor Farjeon Award, among others. A full list is on his website.
Is Michael Rosen a political activist?
Yes, he is a left-wing activist and writes a column for The Guardian, often criticising government education and social policies.
Does Michael Rosen still perform live?
Yes, he regularly appears at schools, literary festivals, and online events.
What is Michael Rosen’s most famous poem?
His most famous poem is “Chocolate Cake,” first published in 1989. It is widely performed and shared online.
Where does Michael Rosen live?
He lives in London, though he has not disclosed his exact address for privacy reasons.
Does Michael Rosen have a YouTube channel?
Yes, his channel is called “Kids’ Poems and Stories with Michael Rosen” and has over 200 videos.
Is Michael Rosen still alive in 2025?
Yes, he is alive and active. He continues to post on social media, perform, and release new content.
What happened to Michael Rosen’s son?
His son Eddie died of meningitis/meningococcal septicaemia at age 18 in 1999. Rosen has since supported meningitis awareness work.
Freddie Harry Cooper Bennett is a staff writer for DailyPressUK.co.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Whitmore and UK Managing Editor Eleanor Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.