Who Is Ken Thompson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ken Thompson, an iconic American computer scientist, was born on February 4, 1943. Renowned for his groundbreaking work as a co-creator of the Unix operating system, Thompson's contributions continue to influence technology and programming over the decades. As of 2025, he is 82 years old. With a deep-rooted legacy in computer science, Thompson's innovative spirit and genius have paved the way for modern software development and operating systems.
| Occupation | Computer Programmer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 4, 1943 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Ken Thompson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a prominent figure in the tech world, much of the spotlight on Ken Thompson relates to his professional accomplishments rather than his physical attributes. However, at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighing around 165 pounds (75 kg), Thompson maintains a modest presence. His focus has always been more on intellect and innovation than on physical appearances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ken Thompson tends to keep his personal life private. However, it is known that he was married to Judy Thompson, and the couple shares a family life together. Their relationship has remained strong throughout the years, demonstrating a deep bond that transcends the challenges of fame and public attention. As of 2025, there are no publicly known reports of Thompson dating anyone else or having significant relationships beyond his marriage.
Net Worth and Salary
Ken Thompson's contributions to the tech industry have not only made him a revered figure but have also amassed significant wealth over time. As of 2025, Ken Thompson's estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. This wealth primarily stems from his pioneering work at Bell Labs, various tech ventures, and consulting roles. His financial success reflects the value of his expertise and the significant demand for his insights in technology.
Career, Business and Investments
Ken Thompson's career began at Bell Labs, where he developed the Unix operating system alongside Dennis Ritchie. Unix is lauded for its elegance, efficiency, and portability, making it a cornerstone of modern Operating Systems. Following his early successes, Thompson's career expanded into various domains, including software engineering and academia. Thompson has also consulted for numerous tech firms and remains a sought-after speaker at industry conferences.
While it's unclear if Thompson has made specific business investments, his expertise has likely led him to engage with various technology initiatives and startups over the years, further solidifying his status as a tech visionary.
Kenneth Lane Thompson (born February 4, 1943) is an American pioneer of computer science. Thompson worked at Bell Labs for most of his career where he designed and implemented the original Unix operating system.
He also invented the B programming language, the direct predecessor to the C language, and was one of the creators and early developers of the Plan 9 operating system. Since 2006, Thompson has worked at Google, where he co-developed the Go language.
A recipient of the Turing award, he is considered one of the greatest computer programmers of all time.
Social Network
Though not particularly active on social media platforms, Ken Thompson's impact resonates strongly across tech communities. Discussions about Unix and its influence frequently highlight Thompson's work. He may not have a large social media presence, but his contributions are widely celebrated on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn within tech circles.
When asked how he learned to program, Thompson stated, "I was always fascinated with logic and even in grade school I'd work on arithmetic problems in binary, stuff like that. Just because I was fascinated."
Education
Ken Thompson earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley. His education laid the foundational knowledge that would facilitate his innovative developments, including Unix. His background equipped him with the skills that would revolutionize operating systems and inspire countless tech professionals.
Thompson received a Bachelor of Science in 1965 and a master's degree in 1966, both in electrical engineering and computer sciences, from the University of California, Berkeley, where his master's thesis advisor was Elwyn Berlekamp.
