Who Is Viet Thanh Nguyen? Age, Biography and Wiki
Viet Thanh Nguyen, born on March 13, 1971, in Hue, Vietnam, is a celebrated American writer and professor. As of 2025, he is 54 years old. Nguyen is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Sympathizer," a compelling exploration of identity and conflict shaped by his own experiences as a refugee and immigrant. His literary contributions often center around themes of war, displacement, and the immigrant experience.
| Occupation | Novelist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 13, 1971 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Ban Mê Thuột, South Vietnam |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Vietnam |
Popularity
Viet Thanh Nguyen's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Viet Thanh Nguyen maintains a healthy lifestyle, which is reflected in his physical attributes. Although specific measurements are not readily available, his height is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). His weight fluctuates around 160 pounds (72 kg), maintaining a fit build that complements his active lifestyle and commitment to public engagement.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Viet Thanh Nguyen is married to fellow writer and professor Andrea Nguyen. The couple shares a deep bond rooted in their mutual passion for literature and culture. They often collaborate on literary projects and support each other’s careers. There have been no public announcements regarding any significant changes in their relationship status or family life.
He was the son of Linda Thanh Nguyen and Joseph Thanh Nguyen, refugees from North Vietnam who had moved south in 1954. Viet's mother's real name is Nguyễn Thị Bảy and she is a highly influential person in his life.
In an excerpt from his book A Man of Two Faces: A Memoir, A History, A Memorial, Viet writes: "People like Má who will not be remembered by History are also a part of History, drafted as reluctant players in horrific wars... Unlike soldiers, these civilians, many of them women and children, never get the recognition they deserve.
Some endure more terror, see more horror, than some soldiers."
Net Worth and Salary
Viet Thanh Nguyen's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million as of 2025. His income is derived from several streams, including book sales, speaking engagements, and academic positions. As a professor at the University of Southern California, he earns a substantial salary that contributes to his overall wealth. His successful writing career, characterized by critical acclaim and recognition, has also significantly boosted his financial standing.
Career, Business and Investments
Nguyen's career has seen an upward trajectory since the release of "The Sympathizer." He has published several other critically acclaimed works, including essays and fiction that explore Vietnamese-American identity. In addition to writing, Nguyen is involved in various philanthropic initiatives aimed at supporting emerging writers and promoting cultural understanding. He invests his earnings in literary projects and community programs, maintaining his commitment to social justice and the arts.
In 1997, Viet moved to Los Angeles for a teaching position as an assistant professor at the University of Southern California in both the English Department, and in the American Studies and Ethnicity Department. In 2003, he became an associate professor in the two departments.
He is currently the Aerol Arnold Chair of English and Professor of English, American Studies and Ethnicity and Comparative Literature.
Social Network
Viet Thanh Nguyen is active across several social media platforms where he shares insights about his work, opinions on current events, and personal reflections. He has a significant following on Twitter and Instagram, where fans engage with his writing and ideas. His online presence allows him to connect with readers, fellow writers, and cultural critics, fostering a vibrant literary community.
Seven years after arriving in America, Viet's older brother, Tung Thanh Nguyen, whom he calls "the original refugee success story", entered Harvard University. Tung graduated four years later with a B.A. in philosophy, and earned an M.D. in 1991 from Stanford University. Tung is the Stephen J.
McPhee, MD Endowed Chair in General Internal Medicine and Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. He also served as a Commissioner on President Barack Obama’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (2011–14) and as the Chair of the Commission (2014–17).
Education
Nguyen holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MFA and PhD from the University of Southern California. His academic background has deeply influenced his writing style and themes, grounding his narratives in a rich understanding of literature and cultural studies. His educational journey has also paved the way for his distinguished career as an educator, inspiring countless students in the field of creative writing and literature.
Viet Thanh Nguyen (born March 13, 1971) is a South Vietnamese-born American professor and novelist. He is the Aerol Arnold Chair of English and Professor of English and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California.
