Who Is Thor Heyerdahl? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Thor Heyerdahl was born on October 6, 1914, in Larvik, Norway. His passion for anthropology and exploration led him to become one of the most celebrated figures in the world of anthropology. Renowned for his extraordinary expeditions, particularly the Kon-Tiki voyage in 1947, Heyerdahl challenged conventional views about human migration. He passed away on April 18, 2002, but his legacy continues to inspire explorers and scholars alike.
| Occupation | Anthropologist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1914 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Larvik, Norway |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Norway |
| Date of death | 18 April, 2002 |
| Died Place | Colla Micheri, Italy |
Popularity
Thor Heyerdahl's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific body measurements for Thor Heyerdahl aren't widely documented, he was known for maintaining a healthy and adventurous lifestyle. During his peak years, he stood at an estimated height of around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and had a suitable weight that matched an active adventurer.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Thor Heyerdahl was married three times during his lifetime. His first wife was Liv Heyerdahl, with whom he had two children. After their divorce, he married Jacqueline Beer, a French actress, but their union was short-lived. Later, he found companionship with his third wife, Yvonne Heyerdahl, whom he remained married to until his death. Throughout his life, he was known to have strong familial ties, often involving his children in his explorations and research.
As a young child, Heyerdahl showed a strong interest in zoology, inspired by his mother, who had a strong interest in Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. He created a small museum in his childhood home, with a common adder (Vipera berus) as the main attraction.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2002, Thor Heyerdahl’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. His wealth was primarily derived from his successful career as an author, speaker, and filmmaker, as well as from the sales of his books and documentaries. In today's terms, his net worth would likely be significantly higher due to the enduring popularity of his works and expeditions.
Career, Business, and Investments
Heyerdahl's career started with his historic Kon-Tiki expedition, which aimed to demonstrate the possibility of prehistoric people traveling across the Pacific Ocean. He authored several influential books including "Kon-Tiki," "Aku-Aku," and "The Ra Expeditions," which detailed his adventures and findings. Beyond adventuring, his contributions to anthropology and his innovative ideas about migration patterns have cemented his status as a pioneering figure.
Over the years, he also invested in various educational projects and documentaries, further expanding his influence on the world’s understanding of early human civilizations.
Social Network
Even after his death, Thor Heyerdahl's legacy endures on various social media platforms. There are numerous fan pages and groups dedicated to discussing his contributions to anthropology and adventure. Documentaries about his life and voyages continue to circulate, drawing interest and attention from new generations. His official website and the Thor Heyerdahl Museum serve as continuing resources for enthusiasts and scholars around the world.
The events surrounding his stay on the Marquesas, most of the time on Fatu Hiva, were told first in his book På Jakt etter Paradiset (Hunt for Paradise) (1938), which was published in Norway but, following the outbreak of World War II, was never translated and remained largely forgotten.
Many years later, having achieved notability with other adventures and books on other subjects, Heyerdahl published a new account of this voyage under the title Fatu Hiva (London: Allen & Unwin, 1974).
The story of his time on Fatu Hiva and his side trip to Hivaoa and Mohotani is also related in Green Was the Earth on the Seventh Day (Random House, 1996).
Education
Heyerdahl studied biology and geography at the University of Oslo. However, his passion for anthropology drove him to travel extensively and conduct personal research that often contradicted traditional academic perspectives. He believed that real-world experiences were vital for understanding human history, which ultimately led him to define new paradigms in anthropological study.
He studied zoology and geography at the faculty of biological science at the University of Oslo. At the same time, he privately studied Polynesian culture and history, consulting what was then the world's largest private collection of books and papers on Polynesia, owned by Bjarne Kroepelien, a wealthy wine merchant in Oslo.
(This collection was later purchased by the University of Oslo Library from Kroepelien's heirs and was attached to the Kon-Tiki Museum research department.)
