Who Is Kurt Waldheim? Age, Biography and Wiki
Kurt Waldheim was born on December 21, 1918, in Sankt Andrä-Wördern, Austria. He was a prominent Austrian diplomat and politician, serving as the fourth President of Austria from 1986 to 1992. Waldheim also held the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1972 to 1981. His political career was marked by controversy regarding his military service during World War II. As of 2025, Waldheim would have been 106 years old.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1918 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Sankt Andrä-Wördern, Lower Austria, Republic of German-Austria |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Austria |
| Date of death | 14 June, 2007 |
| Died Place | Vienna, Austria |
Popularity
Kurt Waldheim's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kurt Waldheim stood at an approximate height of 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm). His weight fluctuated over the years, but during his later years, he was known to have weighed around 170 lbs (77 kg). As he aged, his physical fitness became a topic of interest, showcasing his commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle even in his senior years.
Waldheim denied that he knew war crimes were taking place in Bosnia at the height of the battles between the Nazis and Tito's partisans in 1943. According to Eli Rosenbaum, in 1944, Waldheim reviewed and approved a packet of antisemitic propaganda leaflets to be dropped behind Soviet lines, one of which ended: "Enough of the Jewish war, kill the Jews, come over."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Kurt Waldheim was married to Christine Waldheim, with whom he had a strong partnership throughout his political career. The couple had three children together: a son, and two daughters. In 2025, there has been no significant public information regarding any relationship or rumors of a boyfriend or girlfriend, highlighting Waldheim’s dedication to his family amidst his political engagements.
He was the eldest child of Walter Watzlawik, a schoolmaster of Czech origin, and his wife Josefine Petrasch.
Watzlawik (original Czech spelling Václavík) changed his name to "Waldheim" that year as the Habsburg monarchy collapsed and eventually rose to become superintendent of schools for the Tulln District, attaining the rank of Regierungsrat (government councillor).
Active in the Christian Social Party, he was well regarded as a devoutly Catholic family man. Waldheim and his two younger siblings, a brother, Walther, and a sister, Gerlinde, enjoyed a comfortable middle-class upbringing. From his youth, Waldheim was distinguished by his unusual height of.
As a gymnasium student in Klosterneuburg, he excelled at languages and was a competent violinist in the school orchestra, also enjoying swimming, boating and tennis.
Net Worth and Salary
Kurt Waldheim’s net worth at the time of his passing in 2007 was estimated to be around $3 million. His earnings were primarily derived from his long-serving career as a politician and diplomat. His salary as Secretary-General of the UN and as President of Austria contributed significantly to his financial standing.
Part of the reason for the controversy was Austria's refusal to address its national role in the Holocaust (many leading Nazis, including Adolf Hitler, had been born Austrians, and Austria became part of the Third Reich).
Austria refused to pay compensation to victims of Nazism, and from 1970 onwards refused to investigate Austrian citizens who were senior Nazis. Stolen Jewish art remained public property a generation after the Waldheim affair.
Career, Business, and Investments
Throughout his career, Kurt Waldheim held various prestigious positions, including Major in the Austrian army and later entering politics. His tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations allowed him to play a vital role on the international stage, advocating for political solutions to global issues. Waldheim's career led to heightened visibility, influencing various political ideologies worldwide. Post-political life did not see much public business involvement, as he tended to stay away from the entrepreneurial spotlight, choosing to focus more on international diplomacy.
After finishing his studies in law at the University of Vienna Waldheim joined the Austrian diplomatic service in 1945.
Waldheim escaped a denazification proceedings, as Austrian governmental forces quashed it, though it would have been required because of Waldheim's memberships in the SA's equestrian unit and in the NSDSB — Nazi Student Association. Thereafter, his diplomatic career could commence.
Social Network
Although Kurt Waldheim is no longer alive, his legacy continues to evoke discussions across various social platforms, making him an interesting figure in political history. Political analysts and historians frequently cite his contributions and controversies in discussions relating to diplomacy and international relations. His family often maintains a low profile on social media, ensuring their privacy while celebrating his achievements.
Much historical interest has centred on Waldheim's role in Operation Kozara in 1942. According to one post-war investigator, prisoners were routinely shot within only a few hundred metres (yards) of Waldheim's office, and 35 km away at the Jasenovac concentration camp. Waldheim later stated that "he did not know about the murder of civilians there".
Education
Kurt Waldheim was educated at the University of Vienna, where he studied law, eventually leading him to a career in diplomacy and politics. His academic background equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate complex international negotiations and policy-making processes.
In early 1941, Waldheim was conscripted into the Wehrmacht, the armed forces of Nazi Germany, specifically to the Heer (Army), and posted to the Eastern Front where he served as a squad leader. In December, he was wounded but returned to service in 1942. His service from 1942 to 1945 was the subject of international review in 1985 and 1986.
In his 1985 autobiography, he claimed that he was discharged from further service at the front and, for the remainder of the war, finished his law degree at the University of Vienna, in addition to marrying in 1944.
After publication, documents and witnesses came to light that revealed Waldheim's military service continued until 1945, during which time he rose to the rank of Oberleutnant.
