Who Is Mark Felt? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Mark Felt was born on August 17, 1913, and passed away on December 18, 2008, making him 95 years old at the time of his death. He is best known as "Deep Throat," the anonymous source whose revelations played a crucial role in exposing the Watergate scandal that ultimately led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. Felt served as Deputy Associate Director of the FBI and utilized his position to bring important information to the press, significantly impacting American politics.
Occupation | Directors |
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Date of Birth | August 17, 1913 |
Age | 95 Years |
Birth Place | Twin Falls, Idaho, U.S. |
Horoscope | Leo |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 18 December, 2008 |
Died Place | Santa Rosa, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Mark Felt's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mark Felt was known to have an average build for his time; however, specific details regarding his height and weight are not widely documented. His contributions to the field of law enforcement and journalism overshadow physical statistics, focusing the spotlight on his courageous actions rather than his physical appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mark Felt was married to his wife, Joan Felt. They shared a long and loving marriage until his passing. Together, they had three children: two daughters, Betsy and Liza, and a son, Mark. Given his significant contributions and the notable risks he took for the greater good, his family has remarked on both the courage and the burden that came with revealing his identity as Deep Throat.
Felt called his relationship with Ruckelshaus "stormy". In his memoir, Felt describes Ruckelshaus as a "security guard sent to see that the FBI did nothing which would displease Mr. Nixon".
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2008, Mark Felt's net worth was estimated to be in the millions, primarily accumulated through his long-standing career in the FBI and as a public figure. His exact net worth fluctuated throughout his life, but he undoubtedly achieved financial stability from his years of service in law enforcement, combined with book deals and speaking engagements after the scandal.
William Mark Felt Sr. (August 17, 1913 – December 18, 2008) was an American law enforcement officer who worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 1942 to 1973 and was known for his role in the Watergate scandal.
Felt was an FBI special agent who eventually rose to the position of Deputy Director, the Bureau's second-highest-ranking post. Felt worked in several FBI field offices prior to his promotion to the Bureau's headquarters.
In 1980, he was convicted of having violated the civil rights of people thought to be associated with members of the Weather Underground, by ordering FBI agents to break into their homes and search the premises as part of an attempt to prevent bombings. He was ordered to pay a fine, but was pardoned by President Ronald Reagan during his appeal.
Career, Business and Investments
Mark Felt’s career spanned several decades within the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he played significant roles in various investigations before, during, and after the Watergate scandal. After leaving the FBI, Felt authored a bestselling autobiography, “The Running Man,” where he shared insights on his life and motivations. He remained a vital figure in political discussions and even participated in various documentaries and interviews that examined the Watergate era.
Upon graduation, Felt took a position at the Federal Trade Commission but did not enjoy his work. His workload was very light, and he was assigned to investigate whether a toilet paper brand, called "Red Cross", was misleading consumers into thinking it was endorsed by the American Red Cross. Felt wrote in his memoir:
Social Network
Though Mark Felt was a private individual, his revelations as Deep Throat made him a household name. His story has been presented through multiple media outlets, including documentaries, films, and podcasts. Following his death, various tributes and remembrances appeared across social networks, celebrating his courage and dedication to truth. His legacy continues to inspire discussions around governance, integrity, and the role of whistleblowers in our society.
In 2005, at age 91, Felt revealed to Vanity Fair magazine that during his tenure as Deputy Director of the FBI he had been the anonymous source known as "Deep Throat", who provided The Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein with critical information about the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to the resignation of President
Richard Nixon in 1974.
Woodward, who had long vowed not to reveal Deep Throat's identity while the source was still alive, quickly confirmed Felt's claim. Though Felt's identity as Deep Throat was suspected, including by Nixon himself, it had generally remained a secret for 30 years.
Felt finally acknowledged that he was Deep Throat after being persuaded by his daughter to reveal his identity before his death.
Education
Mark Felt attended the University of Idaho, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree. His educational background laid the foundational knowledge and skills that would support him throughout his distinguished career in law enforcement. The principles of justice and ethics he learned during his academic endeavors guided him in making tough decisions during the Watergate scandal.
In conclusion, Mark Felt's life and contributions continue to resonate in discussions about accountability and transparency in government. Though he left us in 2008, the impact of his actions creates an enduring narrative that will be remembered for generations to come. As we reflect on his accomplishments, we remember him not only as a whistleblower but also as a devoted husband and father who stood firm in the face of political adversity.
After graduating from Twin Falls High School in 1931, Felt attended the University of Idaho in Moscow. He was a member and president of the Gamma Gamma chapter of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1935.