Who Is Henry Louis Gates Jr.? Age, Biography and Wiki
Henry Louis Gates Jr. was born on September 16, 1950, making him 75 years old as of 2025. An esteemed American literary critic, professor, historian, and public intellectual, Gates has contributed significantly to the fields of African American studies and literature. His extensive work encompasses various media, including documentaries, written publications, and historical analysis, solidifying his position as a key figure in understanding African American history and culture.
| Occupation | Historian |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1950 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | Keyser, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific figures concerning Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s height, weight, and overall measurements are not publicly available, it's evident that his robust intellectual presence is what stands out most. Known for his engaging personality, he commands attention in any setting.
* Gates serves as the chair for the Selection Committee for the Alphonse Fletcher Sr. Fellowship Program that is sponsored by the Fletcher Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Fletcher Asset Management.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Henry Louis Gates Jr. has a rich family life. He has been married twice; his current wife is Shirley Sundberg Gates. They married in 2000 and have created a loving family together. Gates has two children, a son named Henry Louis "Skip" Gates III and a daughter named Angela. His family remains a significant part of his life, often referenced in interviews discussing the impact of upbringing on identity and culture.
At the age of 14, Gates was injured playing touch football, fracturing the ball and socket joint of his right hip, resulting in a slipped capital femoral epiphysis. The injury was misdiagnosed by a physician, who told Gates' mother that his problem was "psychosomatic".
When the physical damage finally healed, his right leg was two inches shorter than his left. Because of the injury, Gates now uses a cane when he walks.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. His successful career as an author, professor, and television personality has contributed to this impressive figure. Gates has earned a substantial salary from his roles at Harvard University and his various media projects, including the PBS series "Finding Your Roots."
In 2010, Gates wrote an op-ed in The New York Times that discussed the role played by Africans in the Atlantic slave trade.
His op-ed begins and ends with the observation that it is very difficult to decide whether or not to give reparations to the descendants of American slaves, whether they should receive compensation for the unpaid labor of their ancestors, and their lack of rights.
Gates also notes that it is equally difficult to decide who should get such reparations and who should pay them, as slavery was legal under the laws of the colonies and the United States. In an article for Newsweek, journalist Lisa Miller reported on the reaction to Gates' article:
Career, Business and Investments
Henry Louis Gates Jr. has had a transformative impact on academia and media. He has authored several influential books and produced documentaries that explore African American history and culture. In addition to his role at Harvard, he has been involved in numerous initiatives aiming to promote diversity in education and the arts. Gates is also a public speaker and consultant, sharing his expertise and insight at various forums.
Investments in educational initiatives and media projects have not only enhanced his career but have also reinforced his commitment to advancing understanding around race and representation.
Social Network
Henry Louis Gates Jr. is an active figure on social media, using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to engage with his audience. He shares insights from his ongoing research, perspectives on current events, and updates about his work, fostering a vibrant community of followers interested in historical and cultural discourse.
After a month at Yale Law School, Gates withdrew from the program. In October 1975, he was hired by Charles Davis as a secretary in the Afro-American Studies department at Yale.
In July 1976, Gates was promoted to the post of lecturer in Afro-American Studies, with the understanding that he would be promoted to assistant professor upon completion of his doctoral dissertation. Jointly appointed to assistant professorships in English and Afro-American Studies in 1979, Gates was promoted to associate professor in 1984.
While at Yale, Gates mentored Jodie Foster, who majored in African-American Literature there and wrote her thesis on author Toni Morrison.
Education
Gates attended the University of Cambridge as a Marshall Scholar, earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree in English literature. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Yale University and has been a strong advocate for education throughout his career. His academic achievements and dedication to teaching have inspired countless students and scholars.
Henry Louis Gates Jr. (born September 16, 1950), popularly known by his childhood nickname "Skip", is an American literary critic, professor, historian, and filmmaker who serves as the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and the director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University.
He is a trustee of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. He rediscovered the earliest known African-American novels and has published extensively on the recognition of African-American literature as part of the Western canon.
