Who Is Thomas L. Friedman? Age, Biography and Wiki
Thomas L. Friedman was born on July 20, 1953, making him 71 years old as of 2025. He is a renowned American journalist, author, and columnist known for his insightful commentary on foreign affairs, globalization, and economics. His work has appeared in several prominent publications, most notably The New York Times, where he has been a columnist since 1995. With multiple Pulitzer Prizes to his name, Friedman has solidified his place as one of the leading voices in contemporary journalism.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1953 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birth Place | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Thomas L. Friedman's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements may vary, Thomas L. Friedman stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. Weighing around 160 lbs (72 kg), he maintains a healthy appearance reflecting an active lifestyle. Due to his busy schedule, Friedman emphasizes the importance of staying fit and engaging in regular physical activity.
In his September 29, 2005, column in The New York Times, Friedman entertained the idea of supporting the Kurds and Shias in a civil war against the Sunnis: "If they [the Sunnis] won't come around, we should arm the Shiites and Kurds and leave the Sunnis of Iraq to reap the wind."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Thomas L. Friedman is married to his long-time wife, Ann Friedman. The couple has been together for several decades and shares a strong bond rooted in mutual respect and understanding. They have two daughters, whom they raised in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. While there has been much speculation regarding his personal life, Friedman has chosen to keep details about any romantic relationships outside his marriage private.
Harold, who was vice president of a ball bearing company, United Bearing, died of a heart attack in 1973 when Tom was nineteen years old. Margaret, who served in the United States Navy during World War II and studied Home Economics at the University of Wisconsin, was a homemaker and a part-time bookkeeper.
Margaret was also a Silver Life Master duplicate bridge player, who died in 2008. Friedman has two older sisters, Shelley and Jane. From an early age, Friedman, whose father often took him to the golf course for a round after work, wanted to be a professional golfer. He played a lot of sports, and became serious about tennis and golf.
He caddied at a local country club and in 1970 caddied for professional golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez when the US Open came to town.
Net Worth and Salary
Thomas L. Friedman's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $10 million. This figure reflects his successful career as a journalist, author, and speaker, as well as his various book deals and media engagements. He is known for earning a lucrative salary through his column and book sales, which contribute significantly to his wealth.
Career, Business and Investments
Friedman began his journalism career in the 1970s, with experiences that ranged from covering the Lebanese Civil War to contributing to major news outlets globally. He gained international recognition for his books, including "The World Is Flat" and "Thank You for Being Late," which address significant global issues and economic transformations.
In addition to his writing, Friedman is a public speaker and consultant, sharing insights with various organizations and governments. His involvement in global issues extends beyond journalism; he is also known to engage in investments that align with his beliefs in sustainability and technology.
Friedman began his career as a reporter and won two Pulitzer Prizes in the 1980s for his coverage on conflict in Lebanon and politics in Israel, followed by a further prize in 2002 for commentary on the war on terror.
Social Network
Friedman maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where he shares his thoughts on current events, economic trends, and international affairs. He can be found on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where he engages with his audience and fellow thought leaders. His social media presence allows him to connect directly with his readers and expand his influence in the digital age.
Friedman joined the London bureau of United Press International after completing his master's degree. He was dispatched a year later to Beirut, where he lived from June 1979 to May 1981 while covering the Lebanon Civil War.
He was hired by The New York Times as a reporter in 1981 and re-dispatched to Beirut at the start of the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. His coverage of the war, particularly the Sabra and Shatila massacre, won him the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting (shared with Loren Jenkins of The Washington Post). Alongside David K.
Shipler, he also won the George Polk Award for foreign reporting.
Education
Thomas L. Friedman graduated from Brandeis University in 1975 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mediterranean Studies. He later attended St. Antony’s College, Oxford, as a Marshall Scholar, where he earned his Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies. His educational background provided him with a solid foundation for his career in journalism, fueling his passion for understanding global cultures and economies.
Friedman is Jewish. He attended Hebrew school five days a week until his Bar Mitzvah, then St. Louis Park High School, where he wrote articles for his school's newspaper. He became enamored with Israel after a visit there in December 1968, and he spent all three of his high school summers living on Kibbutz HaHotrim, near Haifa.
He has characterized his high school years as "one big celebration of Israel's victory in the Six-Day War."
