Who Is Frank Herbert? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Frank Herbert was born on October 8, 1920, and sadly passed away on February 11, 1986. As of 2025, he would have been 105 years old. Known primarily for his groundbreaking science-fiction series Dune, Herbert's works often explore complex themes such as ecology, politics, and religion. His legacy continues to resonate in popular culture through adaptations in film, TV series, and various other media.
For more detailed information, visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Environmentalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 8, 1920 |
| Age | 65 Years |
| Birth Place | Tacoma, Washington, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 11 February, 1986 |
| Died Place | Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
Popularity
Frank Herbert's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific physical metrics like height and weight are not readily available for Frank Herbert, he was known to have an average build typical of many writers of his time. His meticulous attention to detail in his work, evidenced by the intricate worlds he created, often overshadowed his physical characteristics.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Frank Herbert was married to Beverly Herbert in 1946, and together they had three children: Brian, Bruce, and Linda. Although he passed away in 1986, his family continues to honor his legacy, with his son Brian Herbert often expanding the Dune universe through new novels and adaptations. As of 2025, any romantic relationships or social interactions are speculative, as he remains a historical figure.
Franklin Patrick Herbert Jr. and Eileen (née McCarthy) Herbert. His paternal grandparents had come west in 1905 to join Burley Colony in Kitsap County, one of many utopian communes springing up in Washington State beginning in the 1890s. His upbringing included spending a lot of time on the rural Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas.
He was fascinated by books, could read much of the newspaper before the age of five, had an excellent memory, and learned quickly. He had an early interest in photography, buying a Kodak box camera at age ten, a new folding camera in his early teens, and a color film camera in the mid-1930s.
Due to his parents' drinking, he ran away from home with his little sister, 5-year-old Patricia Lou, in 1938 to live with Frank's favorite maternal aunt, Peggy "Violet" Rowntree, and her husband, Ken Rowntree, Sr. Within weeks, Patricia moved back home. But Frank, 18, remained with his aunt and uncle.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Frank Herbert's net worth was estimated to be over $1 million, largely derived from his novel sales, royalties, and adaptations into various media formats. In 2025 dollars, this figure has likely appreciated significantly, considering the ongoing popularity of the Dune franchise and its adaptations that have introduced his work to newer generations.
Career, Business and Investments
Frank Herbert's writing career took off in the 1960s when Dune was first published in 1965. It became one of the best-selling science fiction novels of all time, winning the inaugural Nebula Award for Best Novel and the Hugo Award. Following his initial success, Herbert wrote several sequels, including Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, and others, expanding his universe.
Aside from novels, Herbert also dabbled in journalism, working as a newspaper reporter and editor, which influenced his writing style and thematic concerns. His contributions to science fiction have inspired countless authors and have led to adaptations not just in literature but also in film, video games, and comic books.
Sterling E. Lanier, an editor of Chilton Book Company (known mainly for its auto-repair manuals), had read the Dune serials and offered a $7,500 advance plus future royalties for the rights to publish them as a hardcover book. Herbert rewrote much of his text.
Social Network
While Frank Herbert was not part of the digital age during his lifetime, his works are now celebrated across various social platforms. The Dune franchise has a robust online presence, with fan pages, discussion groups, and social media accounts dedicated to his legacy. This community serves to keep the dialogue about his work alive and thriving.
Herbert's first science fiction story, "Looking for Something", was published in the April 1952 issue of Startling Stories, then a monthly edited by Samuel Mines. Three more of his stories appeared in 1954 issues of Astounding Science Fiction and Amazing Stories.
His career as a novelist began in 1955 with the serial publication of Under Pressure in Astounding from November 1955; afterward it was issued as a book by Doubleday titled The Dragon in the Sea.
The story explored sanity and madness in the environment of a 21st-century submarine and predicted worldwide conflicts over oil consumption and production. It was a critical success but not a major commercial one. During this time Herbert also worked as a speechwriter for Republican senator Guy Cordon.
Education
Frank Herbert attended the University of Washington and began studying journalism, though he did not complete his degree due to financial constraints. His real-world experiences, combined with his voracious reading and exploration of diverse subjects, played a significant role in shaping his writing style and the depth of his narratives.
Herbert never graduated from college. According to his son Brian, he wanted to study only what interested him and so did not complete the required curriculum. He returned to journalism and worked at the Seattle Star and the Oregon Statesman. He was a writer and editor for the San Francisco Examiner California Living magazine for a decade.
