Who Is José Saramago? Age, Biography, and Wiki
José Saramago was born on November 16, 1922, in Azinhaga, Portugal, and passed away on June 18, 2010. He was a prolific novelist known for his unique style and philosophical narratives. As of 2025, if he were still alive, he would be 102 years old. Saramago's literary career spanned several decades, and he is recognized for works such as Blindness, The Gospel According to Jesus Christ, and The Elephant’s Journey. His contributions to literature earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1998.
| Occupation | Playwright |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 16, 1922 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Azinhaga, Santarém, Portugal |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Portugal |
| Date of death | 18 June, 2010 |
| Died Place | Tías, Canary Islands, Spain |
Popularity
José Saramago's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though specific height and weight details for Saramago are not widely published, he was known to have a modest stature often reflected in his gentle and thoughtful demeanor. In his later years, as with many individuals, health conditions may have affected his physical activity, but the focus of Saramago's life and legacy remains firmly rooted in his substantial intellectual contributions.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
José Saramago was married to Pilar del Río, a Spanish journalist and translator, who played a significant role in his life, particularly in the latter years. Their partnership was professionally fruitful as Pilar translated many of Saramago's works from Portuguese to Spanish and other languages, helping his novels reach a broader audience. As of 2025, it is important to note that Saramago passed away in 2010; therefore, any discussion of relationship status would be historical rather than current.
More than two million copies of Saramago's books have been sold in Portugal alone and his work has been translated into 25 languages. A proponent of libertarian communism, Saramago criticized institutions such as the Catholic Church, the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
An atheist, he defended love as an instrument to improve the human condition. In 1992, the Government of Portugal under Prime Minister Aníbal Cavaco Silva ordered the removal of one of his works, The Gospel According to Jesus Christ, from the Aristeion Prize's shortlist, claiming the work was religiously offensive.
Disheartened by this political censorship of his work, Saramago went into exile on the Spanish island of Lanzarote, where he lived alongside his Spanish wife Pilar del Río until his death in 2010.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, José Saramago had an estimated net worth of around $2 million. His earnings were primarily derived from book sales, royalties, and various literary awards. His works are still in publication and continue to generate revenue through sales and adaptations, contributing to his enduring legacy financially even posthumously.
Career, Business and Investments
José Saramago's career as a novelist began in the 1940s, but it was in the 1980s that he gained significant recognition both in Portugal and internationally. His writing often explored complex themes such as human rights, existentialism, and morality, which resonated globally. In addition to his literary pursuits, Saramago was also a political commentator, engaging in discussions about social justice and civil rights, reflecting his investment in the societal issues of his time.
After graduating as a lathe operator, he worked as a car mechanic for two years. At this time Saramago had acquired a taste for reading and started to frequent a public library in Lisbon in his free time. He married Ilda Reis, a typist and later artist, in 1944 (they divorced in 1970).
By this time he was working in the Social Welfare Service as a civil servant. Later he worked at the publishing company Estúdios Cor as an editor and translator, and then as a journalist. By that time, in 1968, he met and became lover of writer Isabel da Nóbrega, the longtime partner of author and critic João Gaspar Simões.
Nóbrega became Saramago's devoted literary mentor, to whom he would later dedicate Memorial do Convento and O Ano da Morte de Ricardo Reis.
Social Network
While social media as we know it did not exist during Saramago's lifetime, his legacy continues to thrive through various online platforms where fans discuss his works, ideas, and influence. Various literary groups and pages commemorate his life, and there are ongoing book clubs dedicated to his literature. As a historic figure, his insights remain relevant, and discussions about his philosophy are prevalent among literary scholars and enthusiasts.
The book portrays a Christ who, subject to human desires, lives with Mary Magdalene and tries to back out of the crucifixion.
Following the Swedish Academy's decision to present Saramago with the Nobel Prize in Literature, the Vatican questioned the decision on political grounds, though gave no comment on the aesthetic or literary components of Saramago's work. Saramago responded: "The Vatican is easily scandalized, especially by people from outside.
They should just focus on their prayers and leave people in peace. I respect those who believe, but I have no respect for the institution."
Education
José Saramago had a sparse formal education; he left school at the age of 12 to help support his family. However, his thirst for knowledge led him to read extensively, leading him to become one of the most respected writers in contemporary literature. His life reflects that formal education is not the only path to intellectual achievement, a theme often echoed in his writings.
* "Saramago, José (1922–2010)". Encyclopedia of World Biography. Ed. Tracie Ratiner. Vol. 25. 2nd ed. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2005. Discovering Collection. Thomson Gale. University of Guelph. 25 September 2007.
