Who Is Louis Zamperini? Age, Biography and Wiki
Louis Zamperini was born on January 26, 1917, and tragically passed away on July 2, 2014. This iconic American athlete, who gained fame as an Olympic runner, later served as an Army officer during World War II. Known for his incredible resilience, Zamperini's life story inspired the bestselling book Unbroken and the subsequent film adaptation. While he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire many around the globe.
| Occupation | Motivational Speaker |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1917 |
| Age | 97 Years |
| Birth Place | Olean, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 2 July, 2014 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Louis Zamperini's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At the peak of his athletic career, Zamperini stood at an impressive height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and maintained a weight of approximately 150 pounds (68 kg). His athletic build was well-suited for long-distance running, contributing to his success in track events during the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Neither Zamperini nor Lash was believed to have much chance of winning the 1936 Olympics 5,000-meter race against world record holder Lauri Lehtinen.
Zamperini later related several anecdotes from his Olympic experience, including gorging himself on the boat trip to Europe: "I was a Depression-era kid who had never even been to a drugstore for a sandwich in his life," he said, "and all the food was free. I had not just one sweet roll, but about seven every morning, with bacon and eggs.
My eyes were like saucers." By the end of the trip, Louis Zamperini, in common with most athletes on the ship, had gained a good deal of weight: in Zamperini's case, 12 lb.
While the weight gain was not advantageous for his running, it was necessary for his health, as he had lost 15 lb while training in the summer heat in New York for the Olympic Trials.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Louis Zamperini was married to Cynthia Applewhite, whom he tied the knot with in 1946. The couple remained together for over 70 years, and their relationship was characterized by love and mutual support. They had two children together, a son named Luke and a daughter named Cynthia. Despite the challenges Zamperini faced during and after the war, their family bond was a cornerstone of his life.
The Zamperini family moved from Olean, New York to Long Beach, California when Louis Zamperini was two years old. In 1919, the family moved to nearby Torrance where Louis attended Torrance High School. He and his family spoke no English when they moved to California, making him a target for bullies because of his Italian roots.
His father taught him how to box in self-defense. Soon he claimed to be "beating the tar out of every one of them; but I was so good at it that I started relishing the idea of getting even. I was sort of addicted to it."
Net Worth and Salary
During his lifetime, Louis Zamperini's net worth steadily increased due to his book deals, public speaking engagements, and the success of the Unbroken film. By the time of his passing in 2014, it was estimated that his net worth ranged from $1 million to $5 million, a testament to his enduring popularity and the impact of his life story. As of 2025, his estate continues to inspire new generations, and his earnings from royalties maintain his financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Louis Zamperini's career began as a track athlete when he represented the United States in the 5000 meters at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His athletic prowess was abruptly interrupted by World War II, where he served as a bombardier in the Army Air Forces. After being shot down and enduring harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war, Zamperini dedicated his life to motivational speaking, sharing his incredible story of resilience and hope.
Post-war, he also engaged in various business ventures, including owning a sports camp and later working in public relations. Zamperini's investments in motivational speaking engagements and writing his autobiography were particularly fruitful and contributed significantly to his financial stability.
He had an older brother named Pete and two younger sisters, Virginia and Sylvia. He was raised in a strict, devout Catholic household. Regardless, he took up smoking at age 5 and drinking at age 8. He struggled with bullies and supposedly almost died twice, once due to a house fire, and another from having fallen into an oil rig, almost drowning.
In later childhood, his brother Pete was highly supportive of him and encouraged him to start his running career.
Social Network
While Louis Zamperini himself was not active on social media platforms due to his passing in 2014, his legacy continues to be celebrated online. Various fan pages and accounts dedicated to his life story exist on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, keeping his remarkable journey alive. The #Unbroken hashtag also serves as a beacon for those wanting to learn more about Zamperini’s inspiring life.
He was taken to a total of four different prisoner-of-war camps in Japan, where he was tortured and beaten by Japanese military personnel—specifically including Mutsuhiro Watanabe—because of Zamperini's status as a famous Olympic runner. He was later taken to a new prison camp at a coal factory, and after much hardship, he was finally released.
Following the war he initially struggled to overcome his ordeal, afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism.
Education
Zamperini graduated from the University of Southern California, where he pursued a degree in sociology. His education played a significant role in shaping his disciplined approach to life, athletics, and later, his motivational speaking career. Zamperini’s experiences highlighted the importance of perseverance and resilience, which he emphasized throughout his life and educational endeavors.
Louis Silvie Zamperini (January 26, 1917 – July 2, 2014) was an American World War II veteran, an Olympic distance runner and a Christian evangelist. He took up running in high school and qualified for the United States in the 5,000 m race for the 1936 Berlin Olympics, finishing 8th while setting a new lap record in the process.
