Who Is Paul Theroux? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Paul Theroux, born on April 10, 1941, is a celebrated American travel writer and novelist known for his insightful and often critical observations of various cultures through his travel narratives. As of 2025, Theroux is 84 years old, continuing to make an impact on the literary landscape with his adventurous spirit and engaging storytelling. His works, such as The Great Railway Bazaar and Dark Star Safari, highlight his extensive travels around the globe.
For a more detailed look at his life and achievements, visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Novelist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1941 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | Medford, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Paul Theroux's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Paul Theroux stands approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and maintains a weight of around 175 lbs (79 kg). While specifics such as body measurements can vary, he is known for having an athletic build, a testament to his adventurous lifestyle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Paul Theroux has been married three times. His most notable relationships include his long-term marriage to Patricia Thibaud, with whom he shares two children. In more recent years, Theroux has kept his personal life relatively private. As of 2025, he is reported to be single, focusing on his writing and personal endeavors. His past relationships, particularly with influential women in the literary world, have often drawn interest from fans and the media alike.
He is the father of English-American authors and documentary filmmakers Marcel and Louis Theroux, the brother of authors Alexander Theroux and Peter Theroux, and uncle of the American actor and screenwriter Justin Theroux.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Paul Theroux's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This wealth has been amassed through his prolific writing career, which includes numerous bestselling books, essays, and travelogues. His earnings also come from public speaking engagements and literary festivals, where his experiences and insights continue to captivate audiences.
Career, Business, and Investments
Paul Theroux's career began in the late 1960s, and he quickly gained recognition for his unique voice and perspective on travel. His adventure-filled narratives and keen observations of cultural differences have established him as a prominent figure in contemporary literature. In addition to his novels and travel writing, Theroux has dabbled in screenwriting and has taught creative writing at several institutions.
Theroux is an avid traveler, often using his own experiences as a backdrop for his writing. He has also engaged in various philanthropic efforts, promoting literacy and education through his works and speeches. His love for exploration has been a significant part of his life’s narrative, making him not just an author, but a cultural ambassador.
When Theroux was in Uganda, his friends found him a teaching position at Makerere University in Kampala. There he met Anne Castle, an English graduate student teaching at an upcountry girls' secondary school in Kenya, via Voluntary Service Overseas. They married in 1967.
After leaving Asia and Dorset, they moved to South London in 1971, because it was cheaper than the United States. They had two sons: Marcel and Louis, both of whom are writers and documentarians. Theroux and Castle divorced in 1993.
Social Network
While Paul Theroux is not particularly active on social media platforms, he maintains a professional presence online. He can be found on various literary forums and platforms where discussions about literature and travel take place. Fans often share insights and quotes from his works on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, keeping his legacy alive in the digital age.
Theroux has criticized celebrity activists like Bono, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as "mythomaniacs, people who wish to convince the world of their worth." He has said that "the impression that Africa is fatally troubled and can be saved only by outside help—not to mention celebrities and charity concerts—is a destructive and misleading conceit".
Education
Paul Theroux attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1963. Following his undergraduate studies, he continued his education by studying in England at the University of Exeter, further refining his literary prowess and drawing inspiration from his experiences abroad. His education has significantly shaped his writing style, evident in the detailed narratives present in his books.
Theroux was educated at Medford High School, followed by the University of Maine, in Orono (1959–60), and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he obtained a B.A. in English in 1963.
