Sophie Dahl (born Sophie Holloway; 15 September 1977) is an English author and former fashion model. Born in London, she is the daughter of actor Julian Holloway and writer Tessa Dahl. Her maternal grandparents were author Roald Dahl and American actress Patricia Neal. Her paternal grandparents were actor Stanley Holloway and actress and chorus dancer Violet Lane. Sophie Dahl was the inspiration for Sophie, the main character in her maternal grandfather's book The BFG.