Who Is Yousuf Karsh? Age, Biography and Wiki
Yousuf Karsh was born on December 23, 1908, in Mardin, Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey), and passed away on July 13, 2002, in Boston, Massachusetts. Renowned for portrait photography, Karsh's career spanned over six decades during which he captured some of the 20th century's most influential figures, from politicians to artists and scientists. His unique ability to reveal the character of his subjects has made his work timeless. As of 2025, if he were still alive, he would be 116 years old.
| Occupation | Photographers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 23, 1908 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Mardin, Diyarbekir Vilayet, Ottoman Empire |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Armenia |
| Date of death | 13 July, 2002 |
| Died Place | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Popularity
Yousuf Karsh's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details regarding Yousuf Karsh's height and weight were not widely documented, it is understood that he maintained a humble demeanor throughout his life, often prioritizing his artistry over personal image. Such attributes were reflected not just in his iconic portraits but in his own life, focusing on the depth of character rather than physical appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship status
Yousuf Karsh was married to his beloved wife, Estrelita Karsh, in 1941. Together they shared a deep bond, often collaborating on various artistic ventures. Although there are no records of Karsh having any other relationships, their partnership stood as an example of mutual respect and admiration in the realm of art. Upon Estrelita's passing in 1995, Karsh continued to honor her memory until his own death in 2002.
His father was Catholic, while his mother was Protestant. He had two brothers, Jamil and Malak; the latter was also a photographer. His illiterate father travelled extensively to trade furniture, rugs, and spices, while his mother was "an educated woman, a rarity in those days, and was extremely well read, particularly in her beloved Bible."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Yousuf Karsh's net worth was estimated to be in the range of millions due to his successful photographic career and numerous exhibitions across the globe. While specific figures regarding his salary are not disclosed, his famous portraits fetched significant sums at auctions, highlighting his impact on the photography market.
Career, Business and Investments
Karsh’s career began at a young age when he moved to Canada and was introduced to the world of photography. He opened his own studio in Ottawa, quickly becoming known for his dramatic lighting and ability to capture the essence of his subjects. In 1941, he shot the iconic portrait of Winston Churchill, which catapulted him to international fame. Throughout his career, Karsh had numerous exhibitions, published several books, and was a sought-after speaker around the world, establishing himself not just as a photographer but as a visionary in the art domain.
An Armenian genocide survivor, Karsh migrated to Canada as a refugee. By the 1930s he established himself as a significant photographer in Ottawa, where he lived most of his adult life, though he traveled extensively for work.
His iconic 1941 photograph of Winston Churchill was a breakthrough point in his career, through which he took numerous photos of known political leaders, men and women of arts and sciences. More than 20 photos by Karsh appeared on the cover of Life magazine, until he retired in 1993.
Social Network
Yousuf Karsh was not known for engaging much on social media, as platforms like Instagram and Twitter did not exist during his lifetime. However, his legacy continues to resonate through various online platforms. With the ongoing appreciation for classic photography, fans and scholars share his works widely on social media, ensuring that future generations remain connected to his profound contributions to the art world.
On August 19, 2022, it was discovered that a Karsh-signed portrait residing in the reading room of the Château Laurier, Ottawa, had been stolen and replaced with a fake. A staff member noticed that the frame on the portrait did not match the other five portraits donated by Karsh in 1998.
Jerry Fielder, the director of Karsh's estate, immediately recognized that the Karsh signature on the portrait was a forgery. Two years later Ottawa police announced that the photo had been located in Italy and had arrested an Ontario man in connection with its theft. The accused thief, Jeffrey Wood, pled guilty on March 14, 2025.
During World War II, Karsh photographed political and military leaders and began capturing photos of writers, actors, artists, musicians, scientists, and celebrities in the post-war period. His 1957 portrait of the American novelist Ernest Hemingway, taken at Hemingway's Cuban home Finca Vigía, is another well-known photo by Karsh.
According to Amanda Hopkinson it made Hemingway look like the hero of his 1952 novel The Old Man and the Sea. His other notable portraits include George Bernard Shaw at an old age (1943), Dwight D.
Eisenhower as a five-star general and Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force (1946), American artist Georgia O'Keeffe in her New Mexico studio (1956), and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev swathed in fur (1963). In 1984, Karsh photographed the Canadian rock band Rush for their album Grace Under Pressure.
Education
Yousuf Karsh's formal education in photography was complemented by mentorships from established photographers of his time. Learning through practice and experience, he developed a signature style that would become synonymous with portrait photography. His dedication to his craft was evident in the skilled compositions and technical proficiency displayed in his work.
Karsh was sent to Canada by his family. He arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 31, 1923, by ship from Beirut. He immediately moved to Sherbrooke, Quebec to live with his maternal uncle George Nakashian (Nakash), a portrait photographer.
He attended Sherbrooke High School for a year and his "formal education was over almost before it began." By the time he reached Canada, he "spoke little French, and less English" and "had no money and little schooling." Karsh worked for, and was taught photography by his uncle. He gave Karsh a Box Brownie camera.
From 1928 to 1931, Karsh apprenticed in Boston, Massachusetts for John H. Garo, the most prominent Armenian photographer in America at the time who had made a name for himself photographing Boston celebrities.
