Who Is Edmund Hillary? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Edmund Hillary, born on July 20, 1919, in Auckland, New Zealand, is celebrated as one of the most iconic mountaineers in history. He gained worldwide fame for being one of the first two individuals known to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, along with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. Throughout his life, Hillary became known not only as a mountaineer but also as a philanthropist and advocate for the Sherpa people of Nepal.
Hillary's legacy continues to inspire adventurers and climbers around the globe even after his passing on January 11, 2008. In 2025, his life story remains a testament to human endurance and the spirit of exploration.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1919 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Date of death | 11 January, 2008 |
| Died Place | Auckland, New Zealand |
Popularity
Edmund Hillary's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Edmund Hillary was known for his athletic build, which aided him in his numerous climbing endeavors. He stood tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and weighed around 170 pounds (77 kg) during his prime. His physical condition was a significant factor in his success as a mountaineer, enabling him to tackle some of the world's most challenging terrains.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Edmund Hillary's family life was an integral part of his story. He was married to Louise Rose, with whom he had three children: Peter, Sarah, and Melanie. Tragically, Louise passed away in 1975. Later in his life, Hillary married his second wife, June, who stood by his side until his death in 2008. It is important to note that while Hillary had a close circle of friends and fellow adventurers, he did not have a boyfriend or girlfriend during his lifetime, as he was dedicated to his family and humanitarian efforts.
His father Percy had served at Gallipoli with the 15th (North Auckland) Regiment, and was discharged "medically unfit" from the Army in 1916; he had married Gertrude after his return to New Zealand. His grandfather Edmund Raymond Hillary (b.
1836) from Lancashire, England was a watchmaker, who immigrated to the northern Wairoa region in the mid-19th century. He married Annie "Ida" Fleming from Ireland having four children. His maternal great-grandparents, the Clarks, were both from Yorkshire.
Net Worth and Salary
Edmund Hillary's net worth at the time of his passing is estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings stemmed from various sources, including sponsorships, book deals, and lectures, which often focused on his climbing experiences and the importance of humanitarian work. In 2025, his financial legacy continues to provide support for initiatives benefiting the Sherpa community and other charitable causes.
Career, Business and Investments
Hillary's illustrious career as a mountaineer began with his early climbs in New Zealand before gaining international acclaim. Beyond Mount Everest, he undertook numerous significant expeditions, including journeys to Antarctica and the Himalayas. He also founded the Himalayan Trust, dedicated to supporting education and health initiatives in Nepal.
In terms of business ventures, Hillary diversified his interests by becoming an author and motivational speaker, sharing his adventures and insights on perseverance and leadership. His investments were often directed toward fostering community development and environmental conservation, underscoring his commitment to giving back.
Hillary supported the Labour Party in the 1975 New Zealand general election, as a member of the "Citizens for Rowling" campaign. His involvement in this campaign was seen as precluding his nomination as governor-general; the position was offered to Keith Holyoake in 1977.
In 1985, Hillary was appointed New Zealand High Commissioner to India (concurrently High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Ambassador to Nepal) and spent four and a half years based in New Delhi.
Social Network
Although Edmund Hillary was not a part of the social media generation, his legacy and achievements continue to be celebrated across various platforms. Today, you can find tributes on websites like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where mountaineering enthusiasts share stories, photos, and quotes from his remarkable life. Documentaries and features about his experiences also circulate in online forums, keeping his spirit alive among new generations of explorers.
In January 2008, Lukla Airport, in Lukla, Nepal, was renamed to Tenzing–Hillary Airport in recognition of their promotion of its construction.
On 2 April 2008, a service of thanksgiving in Hillary's honour at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle was attended by Queen Elizabeth II, New Zealand dignitaries including Prime Minister Helen Clark, and members of Hillary's and Norgay's families; Gurkha soldiers from Nepal stood guard outside the ceremony.
In October 2008, it was announced that future rugby test matches between England and New Zealand would be played for the Hillary Shield. In 2009 the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in New Zealand – formerly the Young New Zealanders' Challenge – was renamed "The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award".
On 5 November 2008, a commemorative set of five stamps was issued by New Zealand Post.
Education
Hillary's educational journey began at the prestigious Auckland Grammar School, where he developed a passion for the outdoors. He later attended the University of New Zealand, where he studied engineering. His academic background, coupled with his adventurous spirit, proved instrumental in his ascent to becoming one of history's most successful mountaineers.
Hillary became interested in mountaineering while in secondary school. He made his first major climb in 1939, reaching the summit of Mount Ollivier. He served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a navigator during World War II and was wounded in an accident.
Prior to the Everest expedition, Hillary had been part of the British reconnaissance expedition to the mountain in 1951 as well as an unsuccessful attempt to climb Cho Oyu in 1952.
