Who Is Frederick Forsyth? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Frederick Forsyth is 87 years old. Born in Ashford, Kent, he first gained international acclaim for his 1971 novel, "The Day of the Jackal." Since then, he has produced numerous bestsellers, including "The Odessa File," "The Dogs of War," and "The Phantom of Manhattan." Forsyth's writing is known for its meticulous research and real-world applicability, often drawing on his experiences as a former journalist and military operative.
Read more about Frederick Forsyth on his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Novelist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 25, 1938 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | Ashford, Kent, England |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Frederick Forsyth's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Frederick Forsyth's exact height and weight are not widely publicized, he is often described as having a commanding presence. At the age of 87, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial, and Forsyth has focused on staying active and engaged in his work and personal life.
As a boy, he said, he wanted to be "a fighter jock," and when he traded his career in the RAF for journalism, it was "to see the world" as a foreign and war correspondent.
As for becoming a novelist, he confessed "I never wanted to be a writer," but wrote his first full-length novel, The Day of the Jackal, because he was "skint, stony broke." He applied similar research techniques to those used in journalism.
Published in 1971, the book became an international bestseller and gained its author the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel. In this story, the Organisation armée secrète hires an assassin to kill then–French President Charles de Gaulle. It was made into a film of the same name, and subsequently a television series.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Frederick Forsyth has been married twice. His first marriage was to his wife, Doris, with whom he had two children. He later married his second wife, a former model named Sarah, and they have continued to share a life together. As of 2025, there is no public indication of any romantic relationships outside of his marriage, and Forsyth appears to be devoted to his family and literary career.
In August 2015, Forsyth revealed that in Biafra he was an informant for MI6, a relationship that continued for 20 years. According to Forsyth, he was not paid.
Net Worth and Salary
Frederick Forsyth's net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be in the range of $10 million to $15 million. This wealth stems from his successful writing career, which includes not only book sales but also adaptations of his works into film and television. Forsyth's ability to create engaging stories has solidified his status as a literary icon, contributing significantly to his earnings over the years.
Career, Business, and Investments
Forsyth's career started as a journalist, but he quickly transitioned into fiction writing, where he found his true calling. His novels have been translated into numerous languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Beyond writing, Forsyth has been involved in various business ventures, including screenwriting and consulting for film adaptations. His in-depth knowledge of world events has also led him to be a sought-after commentator, adding to his diverse portfolio.
Forsyth reported on his early activities as a journalist. His early career was spent covering French affairs and the attempted assassination of Charles de Gaulle. He had never been to Africa until reporting on the Nigerian Civil War between Biafra and Nigeria as a BBC correspondent.
He was there for the first six months of 1967, but few expected the war to last very long considering the poor weaponry and preparation of the Biafrans when compared to the British-armed Nigerians. After his six months were over, however, Forsyth—eager to carry on reporting—approached the BBC to ask if he could have more time there.
He noted their response:
Social Network
While Frederick Forsyth is known to be somewhat private, he maintains a presence on social media platforms, particularly Twitter, where he shares his insights on current affairs and literature. Fans and aspiring writers often follow him for inspiration and guidance. His official accounts offer glimpses into his thoughts and the ongoing developments in his literary works.
"I was told quite bluntly, then, 'it is not our policy to cover this war'. This was a period when the Vietnam War was front-page headlines almost every day, regarded broadly as an American cock-up, and this particularly British cock-up in Nigeria was not going to be covered. I smelt news management. I don't like news management.
So I made a private vow to myself: 'you may, gentlemen, not be covering it, but I'm going to cover it'. So I quit and flew out there, and stayed there for most of the next two years."
Education
Forsyth attended the University of Granada in Spain, where he studied Spanish and Modern Languages. His education provided him with not only linguistic skills but also a broader understanding of international affairs, culture, and politics—elements that would later feature prominently in his writing.
In summary, Frederick Forsyth remains a significant figure in contemporary literature, continuing to thrive creatively even at the age of 87. With a rich career behind him and an engaged family life, he exemplifies the enduring spirit of a master storyteller. As 2025 unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate what stories this legendary author will unveil next.
