Who Is Roberto Canessa? Age, Biography and Wiki
Roberto Canessa was born on January 17, 1953, making him 72 years old in 2025. He is not just renowned for his contributions to rugby as a union footballer but also for his outstanding work as a pediatric cardiologist. Canessa gained worldwide fame following the traumatic incident known as the Andes flight disaster, where he played a pivotal role in the survival of his fellow crash survivors. His story of resilience and survival has inspired many and continues to be a subject of interest in literature and film.
| Occupation | Motivational Speaker |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1953 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Montevideo, Uruguay |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Uruguay |
Popularity
Roberto Canessa's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Roberto Canessa’s physical stats have been a point of curiosity over the years. As of 2025, he stands at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighs around 190 lbs (86 kg). His athletic build is a testament to his rugby background, and he continues to maintain a healthy lifestyle even post-retirement from professional sports.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Canessa's personal life has often been kept relatively private. As of 2025, he is believed to be single and focusing on his career and charitable work. There have been no significant reports of a boyfriend or girlfriend in recent years, allowing the spotlight to remain on his professional endeavors rather than his personal relationships.
Canessa began dating Laura Surraco in her adolescence and early youth, and they were a couple at the time of the accident. They were married in 1976 and have three children: Hilario, Roberto Martín, and Laura Inés.
Net Worth and Salary
Roberto Canessa’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $3 million. His income is derived from various sources, including his medical practice, speaking engagements, and his involvement in sports-related activities. Canessa's commitment to his profession as a pediatric cardiologist illustrates his dedication to helping children, which amplifies his influence and respect in the medical community.
Career, Business and Investments
Over the years, Canessa has successfully transitioned from an athlete to a prominent pediatric cardiologist. His expertise and experience in the medical field have made significant contributions to cardiology, especially concerning pediatric patients. In addition to his medical career, Canessa participates in various business ventures and investments related to health and sports. He is also known for his motivational speaking, sharing his incredible survival story, which continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
After returning to Uruguay from the Andes, Canessa graduated from the University of the Republic with a medical degree, and later specialized in cardiology and pediatric cardiology. He serves as vice president of the Fundación Corazoncitos, which provides care for children with congenital heart disease.
Throughout his career, Canessa has worked as a pediatric cardiologist and researcher at the Italian Hospital of Montevideo and the Hospital Pereira Rosell. He has also taught classes in graduate courses at the University of the Republic. In 2019, he was conferred the title of honorary fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a group of professional volunteers to create respirators for ICUs.
Social Network
Roberto Canessa maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares updates about his career, health awareness initiatives, and personal thoughts. Although he is not a trending celebrity in the conventional sense, his story has been widely shared and retweeted by followers interested in his rugby history and medical insights.
- Instagram: @robertocanessa
- Twitter: @robcanessa
- Facebook: Roberto Canessa
Canessa was portrayed by Josh Hamilton in the 1993 feature film Alive, directed by Frank Marshall and based on Piers Paul Read's 1974 non-fiction book Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors. In 2023 he was portrayed by Matías Recalt in the survival thriller film Society of the Snow directed by J. A. Bayona and based on the book by Pablo Vierci.
Education
Roberto Canessa's educational background reflects his commitment to medicine. He graduated from the University of the Republic (Universidad de la República) in Uruguay with a degree in medicine, specializing in pediatrics. Canessa has continued to enhance his knowledge and skills through various medical courses and seminars over the years, solidifying his reputation as a leading pediatric cardiologist.
He is of Italian descent, tracing his ancestry to Rapallo, Liguria. He attended Stella Maris College, located in barrio Carrasco, and was part of the school's alumni rugby club, Old Christians. In 1971, he began to study medicine at the University of the Republic.
