Who Is Adrian Cronauer? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Adrian Cronauer was born on September 8, 1938, and sadly passed away on July 18, 2018. Known primarily for his work as a radio personality during the Vietnam War, his life story became iconic, inspiring the film Good Morning, Vietnam, in which Robin Williams portrayed him. Cronauer's unique ability to connect with troops and bring humor and entertainment into their lives marked him as an influential figure during a tumultuous period in American history. His remarkable career later transitioned into law, where he continued to make significant contributions until his death.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1938 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 18 July, 2018 |
| Died Place | Troutville, Virginia, U.S. |
Popularity
Adrian Cronauer's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific body statistics about Adrian Cronauer are not widely documented, it is generally noted that he had an average height and build, characteristic of many individuals of his generation. His charismatic personality and engaging voice became his most distinguishing features rather than physical measurements.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Adrian Cronauer married his longtime girlfriend, and they were known to have a close-knit family unit. Throughout his life, he maintained a level of privacy regarding his personal relationships, which may be why only limited information about his dating history is available publicly. His family, including his wife, supported his various endeavors, allowing his career to flourish both in radio and law.
His father was a steelworker, and his mother a teacher. He began his broadcasting career at the age of 12 as a semi-regular guest for a Pittsburgh-area children's amateur hour. Cronauer attended the University of Pittsburgh where he led a group that founded the school's first student radio station, now WPTS-FM.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Adrian Cronauer had an estimated net worth of approximately $800,000. This figure was primarily accumulated through his successful career in radio and law, as well as through royalties from the popular film Good Morning, Vietnam. As a prominent figure in media and law, his earnings reflected a lifetime of dedication and hard work.
Career, Business and Investments
Cronauer's career began in the 1960s when he joined the Armed Forces Radio Network, where he gained a dedicated following among soldiers in Vietnam. His signature sign-off, “Good morning, Vietnam!" became an iconic phrase, forever linked to his legacy.
After his military service, Cronauer ventured into law, where he also made significant contributions. His investments and entrepreneurial spirit reflected his diverse talents and interests. Over the years, he continued to participate in various media-related projects, including public speaking, which highlighted his experiences during the Vietnam War.
In 1965, Cronauer volunteered for a transfer to Vietnam because he wanted to travel. Upon arriving there, his first job was as news director for Armed Forces Radio in Saigon, but when the morning host's slot became vacant shortly after his arrival, he took over the show, known as Dawn Buster because it started at 6 a.m.
He opened it with the greeting "Goooooood morning Vietnam!", which was immortalized in the subsequent movie's title. Cronauer left Saigon in 1966, but subsequent DJs continued to use his signature greeting, including Pat Sajak.
His military awards include the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with bronze service star, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Award and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Social Network
Cronauer was less active on social media than many contemporary figures, as his era predates the social media boom. However, his legacy continued to be celebrated on platforms that honor veterans and media personalities, with fans and admirers frequently sharing his impactful story.
In the late 1970s, while working as the classical music morning host at WVWR in Roanoke, Virginia (now Virginia Tech's WVTF), Cronauer had an idea for a television sitcom that would be a blend of M*A*S*H and WKRP in Cincinnati, two popular TV series of the era.
In 1979 he tried to sell a treatment of this idea, basing the story on his experiences in Vietnam, but without success.
A few years later he pitched a made-for-TV movie on the same theme: this time, a friend's agent in Hollywood got the treatment into the hands of Robin Williams, who thought the idea was good enough to warrant a feature-length movie starring himself. However, according to Cronauer, little of the film reflects his real life.
Among other things, Cronauer was not a subversive person but a "lifelong card-carrying Republican", and later took an "active role" in both Bob Dole's unsuccessful 1996 presidential campaign and George W. Bush's successful 2004 presidential reelection campaign.
Cronauer did teach English when off-duty in Saigon, but he did not teach swear words or New York street slang. He was never in a Jeep that got hit by a land mine, but he did witness the bombing of a restaurant near the radio station.
In a 2014 Military Times interview, Cronauer said if he had done some of what the movie said he did, "I'd still be in Leavenworth."
Education
Adrian Cronauer attained a formal education that included significant learning experiences both in military training and higher education. His educational background in communication and law provided him with the tools required to excel in his later ventures in broadcasting and legal practice.
After the Vietnam war, Cronauer worked at various radio stations as a news anchor and in other capacities. He did voice-over work in New York and owned his own advertising agency, during which time he also earned a master's degree in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research.
