Bob Woodward Biography:- Robert Upshur Woodward, born on March 26, 1943, is an esteemed American investigative journalist. He began his career at The Washington Post in 1971 and holds the honorary title of associate editor, although he is no longer employed there. In 1972, while at The Washington Post, Woodward partnered with Carl Bernstein to report extensively on the Watergate scandal, which led to numerous government investigations and the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon. Their work has been praised by veteran journalist Gene Roberts as “maybe the single greatest reporting effort of all time.” Woodward continued to contribute to The Washington Post after the Watergate scandal, writing 21 books on American politics and current affairs, 14 of which became bestsellers.
Bob Woodward Biography 2025
Robert Upshur Woodward is an American investigative journalist. He started working for The Washington Post as a reporter in 1971 and now holds the honorific title of associate editor though the Post no longer employs him.
Born: 26 March 1943 (age 81 years), Geneva, Illinois, United States
Spouse: Elsa Walsh (m. 1989)
Children: Taliesin Woodward, Diana Woodward
Parents: Jane Upshur, Alfred E. Woodward
Education: Yale University (BA)
Bob Woodward Biography 2025 Details
Born |
Robert Upshur Woodward
March 26, 1943 (age 81)
Geneva, Illinois, U.S.
|
Education |
Yale University (BA) |
Occupation |
Journalist |
Known for |
Reporting on the Watergate scandal |
Notable credit |
The Washington Post |
Spouses |
Kathleen Middlekauff
Frances Kuper
(m. 1974; div. 1979)
|
Children |
2 |
Father |
Alfred E. Woodward |
Allegiance |
United States |
Service/branch |
United States Navy |
Years of service |
1965–1970 |
Rank |
Lieutenant |
Unit |
USS Wright (CVL-49)
USS Fox (CG-33) |
Category |
Lifestyle |
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Early Life, Education, and Naval Service
Woodward was born in Geneva, Illinois, to Jane (née Upshur) and Alfred E. Woodward, a lawyer who later served as chief judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court. He grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, and attended Wheaton Community High School. After his parents divorced when he was twelve, he and his siblings were raised by their father, who remarried later. After graduating from high school in 1961, Woodward attended Yale University on a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship, where he studied history and English literature. He joined the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and was a member of Book and Snake, earning his B.A. degree in 1965.
Following his time at Yale, Woodward served five years in the United States Navy. He was assigned to the USS Wright, where he was one of two officers responsible for handling nuclear launch codes, as part of its role as a National Emergency Command Post Afloat (NECPA). He also served as a communications officer on the USS Fox under Admiral Robert O. Welander.
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Bob Woodward Net Worth
Bob Woodward, an American investigative journalist and author, has an estimated net worth of $25 million.
Career Beginnings
Following his naval service, Woodward was accepted into Harvard Law School but chose to pursue a career in journalism instead. He applied for a reporter position at The Washington Post while taking graduate classes at George Washington University. Initially, he was not hired due to his lack of experience, but after spending a year at the Montgomery Sentinel, he was finally hired by The Post in 1971.
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George W. Bush Administration
Woodward notably spent significant time with President George W. Bush, conducting six interviews over nearly 11 hours from 2000 to 2008. This close relationship led to criticism that he was too aligned with the Bush administration.
Royalties and Earnings
Woodward’s extensive bibliography, which includes 13 #1 bestsellers, has generated significant income through advances and royalties. For example, his 2018 book Fear, which detailed the inner workings of the Trump White House, sold 1.1 million copies in its first week, likely earning him $10-15 million before taxes.
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Honors and Awards
Woodward has received numerous accolades for his journalism, including major awards such as the Worth Bingham Prize, George Polk Award, Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, and the Gerald R. Ford Prize for Reporting on the Presidency. His work has also contributed to The Washington Post winning Pulitzer Prizes for its coverage of Watergate and the 9/11 attacks.
Public Appearances
He frequently speaks at public events and lectures across the United States, addressing various industry groups and colleges. Woodward donates his speaking fees to the Woodward Walsh Foundation.
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Personal Life
Woodward married his high school sweetheart Kathleen Middlekauff in 1966, but they divorced in 1969. He later married Frances Kuper in 1974, divorcing her in 1979. He has been married to journalist and author Elsa Walsh since 1989.
Real Estate
Woodward owns an impressive mansion in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., which is estimated to be worth between $6 million and $8 million based on comparable sales in the area.