Who Is Frank Gardner (journalist)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Frank Gardner, born on July 31, 1961, is an influential English journalist known for his remarkable reporting and in-depth analysis on international affairs. As of 2025, Gardner is 63 years old. Having spent much of his career as a BBC correspondent, he has reported from numerous conflict zones and has received accolades for his courage and journalistic integrity.
Gardner's experiences have not only shaped his professional life but also his perspectives on global issues, making him a respected voice in the media industry. He is also known for his inspirational story of overcoming adversity after suffering life-changing injuries in a terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 31, 1961 |
| Age | 63 Years |
| Birth Place | Hampstead, London, England |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Frank Gardner (journalist)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a journalist, Gardner maintains a professional appearance which is often reflected in his public appearances. While his precise height and weight have not been publicly disclosed, he is known to be of average build, which suits his active lifestyle. His commitment to fitness is evident, as he often participates in various physical exercises to stay healthy.
On 6 June 2004, while reporting from Al-Suwaidi, a district of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, notorious for extremism, Gardner was shot six times and seriously injured in an attack by al-Qaida gunmen. His colleague, Irish cameraman Simon Cumbers, was shot dead.
Of the bullets which hit Gardner in his torso (others passed through his shoulder and leg) one hit his spinal nerves and he was left partially paralysed in the legs and since then has used a wheelchair. The pair had continued filming for more than half an hour, against the advice of Gardner's official Saudi Arabian government minders.
The Saudi government promised compensation but they have never paid. After 14 surgical operations, seven months in hospital and several months of rehabilitation, he returned to reporting for the BBC in mid-2005, using a wheelchair or a frame.
Despite his injury, he still frequently reports from the field including places like Afghanistan and Colombia but usually comments on top stories from a BBC studio.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Frank Gardner is known for keeping his personal life relatively private. While specific details about his current relationship status are not widely shared, he has previously been linked to long-term partnerships. As of 2025, he is believed to be single, focusing on his career and personal growth. Frank is very close to his family and often expresses gratitude for their support throughout his career.
His father and mother, Robert Neil Gardner (1922–2010) and Evelyn Grace Rolleston (1923–2014), were both diplomats, and when he was six he moved from the UK to the Hague in the Netherlands.
In 1951, while second secretary at the British Embassy in Czechoslovakia, his father was expelled from the country for espionage activities after an incident in a prohibited military area where he was shot at. His grandfather was physician John Davy Rolleston.
Educated at Saint Ronan's School, and Marlborough College, Gardner was pushed by his teachers into taking up biathlon, which enabled him to travel to Austria to train with the British Army biathlon team.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Frank Gardner's estimated net worth is around $5 million. This wealth comes from his successful career in journalism as well as various speaking engagements. Gardner's annual salary is substantial, believed to be in the range of $200,000, but exact figures may vary depending on projects and contracts. He is also known for his investments in media-related ventures, ensuring a steady income stream beyond his journalistic endeavors.
Career, Business and Investments
Gardner's career took off as he pursued journalism after completing his education. His unique reporting skills have enabled him to cover significant global events and conflicts, earning him multiple awards.
In addition to his main role at the BBC, Gardner has participated in numerous documentaries and television programs focused on war zones and international relations. He has leveraged his expertise by engaging in public speaking and writing, enhancing his public profile and income.
Gardner worked as a marketing manager for Gulf Exports from 1984 to 1986 and in trading and sales for Saudi International Bank from 1986 to 1990. He worked for five years for Robert Fleming Bank from 1990 to 1995, becoming Director of Middle East. He had a nine-year career as an investment banker.
Social Network
Frank Gardner is active on several social media platforms where he shares insights about his work and the world around him. His social media presence allows him to connect with followers and fellow journalists; he often engages in discussions surrounding current affairs. You can find him on:
- Twitter: @FrankGardner
- LinkedIn: Frank Gardner
- Instagram: @frankgardnerjournalist
Education
Frank Gardner attended the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, where he earned a degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies. This academic background has significantly influenced his understanding of the regions he reports on. His education provided him with a solid foundation that supported his successful career in journalism.
When he was 16, Gardner met the Arabian explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, and was invited to the explorer's home in Chelsea. Partly as a result – and partly reasoning that knowing the Arabic language would make him employable in that part of the world – he was determined to study Arabic.
In his gap year Gardner saved up by working in a brick factory then went backpacking from Morocco to Istanbul. He then travelled to Manila in the Philippines, to go hiking in the mountains of Luzon. He returned to study at the University of Exeter, graduating in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) in Arabic and Islamic Studies.
