Who Is Milton William Cooper? Age, Biography and Wiki
Milton William Cooper, popularly known as Bill Cooper, was born on May 6, 1943. Known for his controversial views and theories, he gained notoriety through his writings and lectures. Cooper served in the U.S. Navy, where he worked as a radio operator, and later became an influential figure in the conspiracy theory community with his book "Behold a Pale Horse," published in 1991. His work continues to attract attention and debate long after his death in 2001.
As of 2025, Cooper would have turned 82 years old, had he still been alive. His legacy remains a topic of interest in discussions about government secrecy and conspiracy theories.
| Occupation | Law Enforcement Officer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 6, 1943 |
| Age | 58 Years |
| Birth Place | Long Beach, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 5 November, 2001 |
| Died Place | Eagar, Arizona, U.S. |
Popularity
Milton William Cooper's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Milton William Cooper was known for his robust stature. Although specific measurements are not widely documented, he was often described as a tall individual with a commanding presence. His height was approximately 6 feet (183 cm), and he maintained a weight of around 200 pounds (90 kg) during his lifetime.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Details about Milton Cooper's family life are somewhat limited, but he was married to a woman named Judy. Together, they had children, creating a family dynamic that played a significant role in his life. Throughout his career, Cooper's views often intersected with discussions on family and societal structure, reflecting his personal experiences and beliefs.
As Cooper passed away in 2001, there are no current updates concerning a girlfriend, husband, or wife in 2025.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Milton William Cooper’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. His earnings largely came from book sales, public speaking engagements, and various media appearances. Despite the controversial nature of his work, Cooper's influence within conspiracy theory circles led to a sustained interest in his literature, hence providing him with substantial financial resources during his lifetime.
In 2025, posthumous earnings from his publications and continued interest in his teachings likely contribute to his ongoing legacy and potential earnings from royalties.
As Cooper moved away from the Ufology community and toward the militia and anti-government subculture in the late 1990s, he became convinced that he was being personally targeted by President Bill Clinton and the Internal Revenue Service.
In July 1998, he was charged with tax evasion; an arrest warrant was issued, but Cooper eluded repeated attempts to serve it. In 2000, he was named a "major fugitive" by the United States Marshals Service.
Career, Business and Investments
Milton William Cooper had a multifaceted career, primarily revolving around his writings and public speaking engagements. His book, "Behold a Pale Horse," has sold millions of copies worldwide and remains a seminal work in conspiracy theory literature.
In addition to his foundational book, Cooper also hosted a radio show, where he discussed various topics including government conspiracy, UFO phenomena, and secret societies. His career was marked by controversies and clashes with law enforcement due to his outspoken views and activism.
Social Network
Milton William Cooper was much less engaged with social media as we know it today, given that he passed away before the rise of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, his influence has found resonance on these platforms, where his theories continue to be discussed and disseminated among conspiracy theory enthusiasts.
In 2025, various social media groups and forums dedicate space for discussing his writings, contributing to a community of followers who analyze and share Cooper's controversial ideas.
Cooper gained attention in Ufology circles in 1988 when he claimed to have seen secret documents while in the Navy describing governmental dealings with extraterrestrials, a topic on which he expounded in Behold a Pale Horse.
By one account he served as a "low level clerk" in the Navy, and as such would not have had the security clearance needed to access classified documents.
In the Summer of 1988, Cooper made his first public comments on the ParaNet Bulletin Board System, an early UFO message board, claiming that in 1966 he was serving aboard the USS Tiru when he and fellow Navy personnel witnessed a metal craft "larger than a football field" repeatedly enter and exit the water.
Cooper claimed he was instructed by superiors to never speak about the incident. Biographer Mark Jacobson argues "the Tiru incident itself would not have done much to make Cooper's name in ufology. That opportunity came only a few days later" when he was contacted by fellow ParaNet poster John Lear.
Lear, the son of Learjet founder Bill Lear, identified as a pilot who had flown missions for the CIA. Lear was the author of a post titled "The UFO Coverup" which incorporated elements of mythos from Paul Bennewitz, a ufologist who was later revealed to have been fed disinformation by American counter-intelligence agent Richard C. Doty.
Cooper soon visited Lear, and the two spent much time together from 1988 to 1990.
Education
Bill Cooper's education included military training and informal self-study. Information regarding formal education is sparse, but his military background equipped him with skills in communication and analysis, which he later applied to his conspiracy theories. Cooper often emphasized the importance of questioning authority and seeking personal knowledge, a philosophy that he integrated with his life experiences.
Little is known about Cooper's background and education, beyond the information supplied in his own accounts.
He claimed to have served in the United States Navy, the United States Air Force, and Naval Intelligence until his discharge in 1975; however, public records only indicate a period of service in the Navy with a ratings code of E-5/Sergeant (Petty officer second class in the Navy), including a tour of duty in Vietnam with two service medals.
At the end of the war, while working in naval intelligence, Cooper served on a briefing team for Admiral Bernard A. Clarey. He then attended a junior college in California, and worked for several technical and vocational schools before making his conspiracy theories known, beginning in 1988.
Cooper expanded the speculations of earlier conspiracists by incorporating government involvement with extraterrestrials as a central theme.
