Who Is Alan Watts? Age, Biography and Wiki
Alan Watts was born on January 6, 1915, and passed away on November 16, 1973. Although he is no longer alive, his teachings and philosophy continue to resonate deeply across generations. Watts was a British writer and speaker known for interpreting and popularizing Eastern philosophy for Western audiences. He wrote over 25 books and numerous articles on subjects such as Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and the nature of consciousness.
Age in 2025: If Alan Watts were alive today, he would be 110 years old.
| Occupation | Physicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1915 |
| Age | 58 Years |
| Birth Place | Chislehurst, Kent, England |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 16 November, 1973 |
| Died Place | Marin County, California, US |
Popularity
Alan Watts's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact details about Alan Watts' physical measurements are not widely documented, it is known that he had a commanding presence. In his lifetime, he was often described as having an average height and a robust physique that reflected his lively personality.
- Height: Approximately 5'8" (173 cm)
- Weight: Estimated around 160 lbs (72 kg)
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Alan Watts was married three times throughout his life. His first wife was Eleanor Watts, who he married in 1936. After their divorce, he married Margaret Wyatt in 1945, and they had three children together. Later, he had a romantic relationship with Virginia Prescott, whom he lived with until his death.
Relationship Status in 2025: As of 2025, since Alan Watts passed away in 1973, he does not have a current boyfriend/girlfriend or spouse.
Watts's father, Laurence Wilson Watts, was a representative for the London office of the Michelin tyre company. His mother, Emily Mary Watts (née Buchan), was a housewife whose father had been a missionary. With little money, they chose to live in the countryside, and Watts, an only child, learned the names of wild flowers and butterflies.
Probably because of the influence of his mother's religious family the Buchans, Watts became interested in spirituality. Watts was interested in storybook fables and romantic tales of the mysterious Far East. He attended The King's School Canterbury where he was a contemporary and friend of Patrick Leigh Fermor.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Alan Watts had an estimated net worth of around $1 million. This figure primarily stemmed from his writing, lecturing, and various audio recordings, which continue to generate revenue even today. Although specific figures are not available in 2025, it is believed his estate has maintained popularity, leading to ongoing earnings from his works.
Career, Business and Investments
Alan Watts had a prolific career, beginning as an Anglican priest before moving into philosophy, writing, and lecturing. He was a pioneer in blending Eastern and Western thought, which positioned him at the forefront of the counter-culture movement during the 1960s.
His career highlights include:
However, Watts did have his supporters in the Zen community, including Shunryu Suzuki, the founder of the San Francisco Zen Center.
As David Chadwick recounted in his biography of Suzuki, Crooked Cucumber: the Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki, when a student of Suzuki's disparaged Watts by saying "we used to think he was profound until we found the real thing", Suzuki fumed with a sudden intensity, saying, "You completely miss the point about Alan Watts!
You should notice what he has done. He is a great bodhisattva."
Social Network
Although Alan Watts was not alive during the inception of modern social media, his teachings have gained immense popularity online. Various platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, host numerous accounts dedicated to sharing his philosophy, lectures, and quotes. In 2025, he remains a sought-after figure in discussions surrounding mindfulness and spirituality, often trending on social media due to contemporary relevance.
His lectures found posthumous popularity through regular broadcasts on public radio, especially in California and New York, and more recently on the internet, on sites and apps such as YouTube and Spotify.
Education
Alan Watts was educated at the King’s School, Canterbury, and later attended the University of London. He initially studied theology and later shifted his focus to philosophy and Eastern religions, where he found his niche and began to develop the unique approach that would define his career.
By his own assessment, Watts was imaginative, headstrong, and talkative. He was sent to boarding schools (which included both academic and religious training of the "Muscular Christian" sort) from early years. Of this religious training, he remarked "Throughout my schooling, my religious indoctrination was grim and maudlin."
