Who Is Charles Taylor (Liberian politician)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Charles Taylor was born on January 28, 1948, making him 77 years old as of 2025. He served as the 22nd President of Liberia from 1997 until 2003. Taylor's political career is marked by his involvement in the First Liberian Civil War and subsequent controversies surrounding human rights abuses during his regime. His election in 1997 was seen as both a resolution to conflict and the beginning of new tensions in Liberia. After being forced from office, he sought asylum in Nigeria, only to later face prosecution for war crimes linked to civil unrest during his presidency.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 28, 1948 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Birth Place | Arthington, Liberia |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Liberia |
Popularity
Charles Taylor (Liberian politician)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details about Charles Taylor's body measurements are not extensively documented. However, he is estimated to be around 6 feet tall. His weight and other specific measurements are less frequently discussed, partly due to his focus on political engagements rather than public appearances related to physical attributes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Charles Taylor has had a complex personal life. He was married to Jewel Taylor, a prominent Liberian politician, though they divorced during his presidency. As of 2025, details regarding his current companionship or relationship status have not been publicly documented.
Given his past and the nature of his presidency, personal relationships are often kept private, with Taylor focusing on his legal battles and public image restoration.
He attended The Newman School in his early years. He took the name "Ghankay" later on, possibly to please and gain favor with indigenous Liberians. His mother was a member of the Gola ethnic group, part of the 95% of the people who are indigenous to Liberia. According to most reports, his father was an Americo-Liberian who worked as a teacher, sharecropper, lawyer and judge.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Charles Taylor's net worth is difficult to ascertain precisely due to his legal challenges and the aftermath of his presidency. Estimates suggest a net worth that fluctuates depending on various factors, including ongoing legal issues and potential investments made in earlier years. His salary while president was substantial compared to average Liberian incomes, but post-presidency, financial stability remains complex due to legal fees and restitution claims.
During the last four years of Taylor's presidency, he is believed to have stolen and diverted nearly $100 million, amounting to roughly half of total government revenue.
Career, Business, and Investments
After being elected president, Taylor focused on rebuilding Liberia but faced significant opposition and allegations of corruption. His career trajectory shifted dramatically after his presidency; he spent years in custody facing international prosecution for war crimes.
In terms of investments, Taylor's business pursuits during his presidency included attempts to exploit natural resources. However, his criminal convictions have overshadowed any legitimate business endeavors he might have engaged in post-office.
Taylor supported the 1980 Liberian coup d'état led by Samuel Doe, which resulted in the murder of President William Tolbert and seizure of power by Doe, who established the People's Redemption Council.
Taylor was appointed to the position of Director General of the General Services Agency (GSA), a position that left him in charge of purchasing for the Liberian government. He was fired in May 1983 for embezzling an estimated $1,000,000 (~$ in ) and sending the funds to another bank account.
Social Network
Charles Taylor's social network and online presence have been minimal due to his ongoing legal issues and the controversies surrounding his political career. He has been largely absent from social media platforms, which reflects his cautious approach to public discourse after stepping down from power.
During Taylor's absence for the peace talks in Ghana, the U.S. government was alleged to have urged Vice President Moses Blah to seize power. Upon his return, Taylor briefly dismissed Blah from his post, only to reinstate him a few days later.
Education
Taylor attended Bentley College in Massachusetts, where he majored in economics. His academic background laid the foundation for his initial career in business before transitioning into politics. This education helped inform some of his policies during his presidency, though they were often overshadowed by the actions and controversies of his rule.
Born in Arthington, Montserrado County, Liberia, Taylor earned a degree at Bentley College in the United States before returning to Liberia to work in the government of Samuel Doe. After being removed for embezzlement and imprisoned by President Doe, Taylor escaped prison in 1989.
He eventually arrived in Libya, where he was trained as a guerrilla fighter. He returned to Liberia in 1989 as the head of a Libyan-backed rebel group, the National Patriotic Front of Liberia, to overthrow the Doe government, initiating the First Liberian Civil War (1989–1996).
Following Doe's execution, Taylor gained control of a large portion of the country and became one of the most prominent warlords in Africa. His forces, along with those of other rival warlords such as ULIMO, were notorious for committing widespread human rights abuses and atrocities during the civil war.
Following a peace deal that ended the war, Taylor was elected president in the 1997 general election as a member of the National Patriotic Party (NPP).
