Who Is Ken Burns? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ken Burns, born on July 29, 1953, is a renowned American documentarian and filmmaker. Best known for his distinctive style of documentary filmmaking, Burns has produced a plethora of iconic films covering varying subjects from the Civil War to baseball, all characterized by his unique narrative approach. As of 2025, Ken Burns is 71 years old. His commitment to storytelling through the lens of American history has made him a household name.
| Occupation | Cinematographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1953 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Ken Burns's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact details about Ken Burns' physical stats are often not the focus of public interest, it is reported that he stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His weight is around 160 pounds (72 kg), maintaining a healthy weight for someone of his stature. Measurements such as chest, waist, and hip size are not commonly publicized, as he tends to focus more on his artistic contributions rather than personal appearances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ken Burns was previously married to his first wife, Judy, with whom he shares a daughter, Sarah. Following their separation, he wed his second wife, Amber, in 2007, and they have two daughters together, Olivia and Willa. As of 2025, there are no public records indicating that Ken Burns is dating anyone outside of his marriage, signifying his commitment to his family.
Burns's academic family moved frequently. Among places they called home were Saint-Véran, France; Newark, Delaware; and Ann Arbor, Michigan, where his father taught at the University of Michigan. Burns describes growing up as "hippies" in Ann Arbor.
Net Worth and Salary
Ken Burns has amassed considerable wealth through his successful career as a documentarian. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $10 million. His earnings primarily come from the production of his documentaries, public speaking engagements, and various projects in collaboration with renowned networks like PBS.
Burns worked in a record store to pay his tuition. Living on as little as $2,500 in two years in Walpole, New Hampshire. Burns studied under photographers Jerome Liebling, Elaine Mayes, and others. He describes Liebling as his "principal mentor." He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in film studies and design in 1975.
Career, Business and Investments
Burns is celebrated for his significant contributions to documentary filmmaking, with over 30 films to his name. His projects have received numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards and a Lincoln Prize. In addition to filmmaking, Burns has explored various business ventures, including educational initiatives and collaborations with arts organizations. With an eye for investing, he has also supported causes promoting the arts and education, ensuring his influence extends beyond the screen.
In 1976, Burns, Elaine Mayes, and college classmate Roger Sherman founded a production company called Florentine Films in Walpole, New Hampshire. The company's name was borrowed from Mayes's hometown of Florence, Massachusetts. Another Hampshire College student, Buddy Squires, was invited to succeed Mayes as a founding member one year later.
The trio were later joined by a fourth member, Lawrence "Larry" Hott. Hott did not actually matriculate at Hampshire, but worked on films there. Hott had begun his career as an attorney, having attended nearby Western New England Law School.
Social Network
Ken Burns is active on various social media platforms, using them to engage with fans and discuss his projects. He has a presence on Twitter and Instagram, where he shares insights into his work, thoughts on American culture, and glimpses into his personal life. His online persona reflects his passion for storytelling and history.
Education
Ken Burns attended Hamilton College in New York, where he graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. His academic background laid the foundation for his future work in documentary filmmaking, helping him hone the skills needed to weave compelling narratives from historical events.
Upon receiving an 8 mm film movie camera for his 17th birthday, he shot a documentary about an Ann Arbor factory. He graduated from Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor in 1971.
Turning down reduced tuition at the University of Michigan, he attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, where students are graded through narrative evaluations rather than letter grades and where students create self-directed academic concentrations instead of choosing a traditional major.
