Who Is John McAfee? Age, Biography, and Wiki
John McAfee was born on September 18, 1945, and he passed away on June 23, 2021. In 2025, McAfee would have been 80 years old if he were alive today. He was a British-American programmer, businessman, and the founder of the cybersecurity company McAfee, which revolutionized internet security.
McAfee was known for his dynamic personality and a controversial life that included political aspirations, time evading authorities, and a life filled with adventures. His story remains a topic of intrigue, especially among tech enthusiasts and those following cryptocurrency trends.
| Occupation | Computer Programmer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1945 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Cinderford, Gloucestershire, England |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 23 June, 2021 |
| Died Place | Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Catalonia, Spain |
Popularity
John McAfee's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about John McAfee's height and weight during his later years might be hard to pinpoint, he was generally seen as a tall man, approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) with a fit physique throughout most of his life. His weight fluctuated significantly, particularly during his more tumultuous times, making it difficult to establish an exact figure.
On 23 June 2021, the Spanish National Court authorized his extradition to face charges in Tennessee; McAfee is suspected of having committed suicide several hours after the authorization, though the official ruling has come under suspicion by the public, as McAfee made clear he had no intention of committing suicide by his tweet from 2019.
The tweet, posted in November 2019, said: "Getting subtle messages from U.S. officials saying, in effect: 'We're coming for you McAfee! We're going to kill yourself'. I got a tattoo today just in case. If I suicide myself, I didn't. I was whackd.
Check my right arm." It included a photo of a tattoo that said "$WHACKD." The New York extradition case was still pending in a lower Spanish court.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
John McAfee's personal life was as dynamic as his professional one. At various points in his life, he had been married multiple times. In 2021, he had a relationship with Janice McAfee, whom he often referred to as his wife. Their relationship was publicly fraught with challenges but also showcased a deep bond, especially during his legal troubles.
His family life was not extensively documented, largely due to his preference for privacy surrounding personal matters. He had children from different relationships, but details about them remain limited.
In October 2020, McAfee was arrested in Spain over U.S. tax evasion charges. U.S. federal prosecutors brought criminal and civil charges alleging that McAfee had failed to file income taxes over a four-year period.
On 23 June 2021, he was found dead due to an apparent suicide by hanging in his prison cell near Barcelona shortly after the Spanish National Court authorized his extradition to the U.S. His death generated speculation and theories about the possibility that he was murdered.
McAfee's wife, Janice McAfee, said she did not believe McAfee died by suicide.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, John McAfee's net worth was estimated to be between $4 million and $11 million. His wealth predominantly stemmed from his stake in McAfee Corp. and various investments in cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin. McAfee had claimed to own substantial sums in digital currency, showcasing his belief in the future of cryptocurrency.
Given McAfee's history of financial fluctuations, exact figures regarding his earnings and investments may vary and remain subject to speculation.
McAfee advocated for the decriminalization of cannabis, an end to the war on drugs, non-interventionism in foreign policy, a free market economy which does not redistribute wealth, and upholding free trade. He supported abolishing the Transportation Security Administration.
Career, Business, and Investments
John McAfee's career began with a degree in mathematics from the University of Rho des Island, which led to his early work as a programmer. In 1987, he founded McAfee Associates, which became a pioneering force in the field of cybersecurity. His company's software was one of the first antivirus products used by consumers, skyrocketing him to fame in the tech industry.
Throughout the 2000s, McAfee dabbled in various ventures, including an unsuccessful run for the presidency in the U.S. as part of the Libertarian Party in 2016. In addition to cybersecurity, he explored the realms of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, where he became a vocal advocate and influencer.
John David McAfee (18 September 1945 – 23 June 2021) was a British and American computer programmer, businessman, and two-time presidential candidate who unsuccessfully sought the Libertarian Party nomination for president of the United States in 2016 and in 2020.
In 1987, he wrote the first commercial anti-virus software, founding McAfee Associates to sell his creation. He resigned in 1994 and sold his remaining stake in the company. McAfee became the company's most vocal critic in later years, urging consumers to uninstall the company's anti-virus software, which he characterized as bloatware.
He disavowed the company's continued use of his name in branding, a practice that has persisted in spite of a short-lived corporate rebrand attempt under Intel ownership.
Social Network
John McAfee was a well-known figure on social media, particularly Twitter, where he had amassed a substantial following. He used his platform to discuss everything from cybersecurity and politics to cryptocurrency, often sharing bold opinions that sparked debate. His unconventional and sometimes controversial posts maintained his status as a relevant and dynamic figure in the tech world until the end of his life.
In June 2013, McAfee uploaded a parody video titled How to Uninstall McAfee Antivirus onto his YouTube channel. In it, he critiques the antivirus software while snorting white powder and being stripped by scantily clad women. It received ten million views. He told Reuters the video was meant to ridicule the media's negative coverage of him.
A spokesman for McAfee Inc. called the video's statements "ludicrous".
Education
McAfee attended the University of Virginia and later transferred to the University of Rhode Island, where he earned his degree in Mathematics. This educational background laid the foundation for his successful career in programming and cybersecurity, allowing him to innovate in a field that was just beginning to gain prominence.
