Clive Cussler Writer Age, Height, Family, Net worth, Books, and Bio
Clive Cussler was a famous American author of adventure and thriller novels. He is known for his bestselling “Dirk Pitt” series of books. His work blends underwater exploration, history, and action perfectly. He was a real-life shipwreck hunter and explorer. He is considered one of the greatest adventure writers of all time.
His real name was Clive Eric Cussler. His stage name was Clive Cussler. He passed away at 88 years old in 2020. He was born on July 15, 1931 in Aurora, Illinois, USA. His height was 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) . His weight was approximately 185 lbs (84 kg) . He was an adventure novelist and underwater explorer by profession.
He started his writing career in 1965 while working in advertising. His first novel was published in 1973. His famous works include “Raise the Titanic!” and the entire Dirk Pitt series. He has written over 80 books with 100 million copies sold. His publisher is G.P. Putnam’s Sons. His father was Eric Cussler, an accountant. His mother was Amy Cussler, a homemaker.
He was married to Barbara Cussler for over 50 years. He had 3 children (Terri, Dirk, and Dayna). His major achievements include the American Book Award and the Maritime Heritage Award. His net worth was $50 million from book sales and adaptations. His income came from royalties, film rights, and shipwreck discoveries.
Clive Cussler Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Clive Eric Cussler |
| Stage Name | Clive Cussler |
| Age at Death | 88 years |
| Birth Date | July 15, 1931 |
| Death Date | February 24, 2020 |
| Birthplace | Aurora, Illinois, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Grey (formerly brown) |
| Body Type / Build | Average / Stocky |
| Shoe Size | 10 (US) |
| Profession | Adventure Novelist, Underwater Explorer |
| Career Start | 1965 (writing), 1973 (published) |
| Famous Works | Raise the Titanic!, The Mediterranean Caper |
| Total Books Written | 80+ |
| Publisher | G.P. Putnam’s Sons |
| Father | Eric Cussler |
| Mother | Amy Cussler |
| Siblings | None (only child) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Barbara Cussler (m. 1955-2003, her death) |
| Children | Terri Cussler (daughter), Dirk Cussler (son), Dayna Cussler (daughter) |
| Achievements | American Book Award, Maritime Heritage Award |
| Net Worth | $50 Million |
| Income Sources | Book royalties, Film rights, Shipwreck discoveries |
Clive Cussler Real Name
Clive Cussler’s real name was Clive Eric Cussler. He was born with this name in Aurora, Illinois. The name “Clive” means “cliff” or “slope” in Old English. “Eric” is a Scandinavian name meaning “eternal ruler.” He used Clive Cussler professionally his entire life.
He never changed his name for publishing purposes. His real name and pen name were exactly the same. He was proud of his German and English heritage. “Cussler” is his German surname from his ancestors. He kept his birth name to honor his parents.
Friends and family called him “Clive” simply. His wife Barbara called him “Clive” at home. The world knows him as Clive Cussler the adventure master. His name appears on every Dirk Pitt book cover. He signed autographs as Clive Cussler always.
Today, Clive Cussler is a global brand. His real name Clive Eric Cussler is less known. But both names belong to the same shipwreck hunter. He never needed a pen name to succeed.
| Real Name Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | Clive Eric Cussler |
| Pen Name | Clive Cussler |
| First Name Meaning | “Cliff” (Old English) |
| Middle Name Origin | Scandinavian (“eternal ruler”) |
| Legal Name Change | No |
| Name Used on Books | Clive Cussler |
Clive Cussler Early Life and Education
Clive Cussler was born on July 15, 1931 in Aurora, Illinois. He grew up in Alhambra, California after his family moved. His father was an accountant. His mother was a homemaker. He was an only child with no siblings.
He attended Alhambra High School in California. He was a good student who loved adventure stories. He read Edgar Rice Burroughs and H. Rider Haggard. He dreamed of underwater exploration from a young age. He was not a great athlete.
He served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954. He worked as a mechanic and flight engineer. He repaired aircraft engines during his service. He learned discipline and hard work. He was stationed in Hawaii and California.
After the Air Force, he studied at Pasadena City College. He did not complete his degree. He left college to work full-time. His education was self-directed and practical.
| Early Life Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Aurora, Illinois |
| Moved To | Alhambra, California |
| High School | Alhambra High School |
| Childhood Reading | Adventure novels |
| Military Service | US Air Force (1950-1954) |
| Military Role | Mechanic, Flight engineer |
| College | Pasadena City College |
| Degree | None (left early) |
Clive Cussler Parents and Siblings
Clive Cussler’s father was Eric Cussler. He worked as an accountant for a manufacturing company. He was a quiet and hardworking father. He encouraged Clive to read and explore. He died in 1975 at age 75.
His mother was Amy Cussler (née Hunt). She was a homemaker who raised Clive. She was loving and supportive of his dreams. She lived to see him become a bestselling author. She died in 1985 at age 82.
Clive had no siblings whatsoever. He was an only child who grew up alone. This solitude influenced his writing. His characters often work alone against the odds. Dirk Pitt is a classic lone hero.
His parents were middle-class and hardworking. They moved from Illinois to California for better opportunities. His mother encouraged his love of books. He dedicated his first novel to his parents.
| Family Member | Relation | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Eric Cussler | Father | Accountant (deceased) |
| Amy Cussler | Mother | Homemaker (deceased) |
| Siblings | None | Only child |
Clive Cussler Wife or Girlfriend
Clive Cussler was married to Barbara Cussler for over 50 years. They married on August 20, 1955 in California. Barbara was a homemaker and volunteer. She supported Clive’s writing and exploring. She was the love of his life. She died in 2003 at age 70 after a long illness.
The couple met through mutual friends in California. Clive was working in advertising at the time. Barbara was working at a bank. They fell in love quickly and deeply. She was his first reader and editor.
Clive and Barbara had three children together. Their daughter Terri Cussler was born in 1957. Their son Dirk Cussler was born in 1961. Their daughter Dayna Cussler was born in 1965. Dirk is named after the famous character. Dirk is also a co-author on later books.
Clive never remarried after Barbara’s death. He lived alone in Arizona. He dedicated many books to her memory. He kept her photo on his writing desk always.
| Relationship | Partner Name | Duration | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wife | Barbara Cussler | 1955-2003 | Widowed (her death) |
| Daughter | Terri Cussler | Born 1957 | Private |
| Son | Dirk Cussler | Born 1961 | Co-author |
| Daughter | Dayna Cussler | Born 1965 | Private |
Clive Cussler Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Clive Cussler died at 88 years old in 2020. He was born on July 15, 1931. He died on February 24, 2020 from natural causes. He looked distinguished and fit for his age. He had white hair and glasses in his later years.
His height was 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) . He was taller than average for an American man. His weight was around 185 pounds (84 kg) . He maintained a healthy and fit appearance. He had an average and stocky body type.
His eye color was blue like the ocean. His hair color was grey (formerly brown). He often wore his hair short and neat. He had a kind and friendly face. He usually wore reading glasses.
His shoe size was 10 (US) for men. He dressed casually but smartly for events. He preferred khakis and polo shirts. He looked like a retired military officer. His physical appearance was approachable and rugged.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 88 years |
| Birth Date | July 15, 1931 |
| Death Date | February 24, 2020 |
| Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Body Type | Average / Stocky |
| Shoe Size | 10 (US) |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
Clive Cussler Before Fame
Before fame, Clive Cussler worked as a copywriter in advertising. He worked for Doyle Dane Bernbach in New York. He also worked for Rumrill-Hoyt in Los Angeles. He wrote ads for cars and airlines. He earned good money but was bored.
He also worked as a graphic designer for magazines. He created advertisements and logos. He was creative but frustrated. He wrote his first novel at night after work. He wrote “The Mediterranean Caper” (published as “Mayday”) in 1973.
Before fame, he was rejected by many publishers. His first novel was turned down multiple times. Publishers said adventure books did not sell. He almost gave up writing completely. His wife Barbara encouraged him to keep trying.
He was 42 years old when his first book was published. He was still working in advertising full-time. He wrote “Raise the Titanic!” on weekends. The book became a bestseller. He quit advertising after that success.
| Before Fame Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Day Job | Copywriter (advertising) |
| Agencies | Doyle Dane Bernbach, Rumrill-Hoyt |
| First Novel | The Mediterranean Caper (1973) |
| Rejection Letters | Several |
| Age at First Book | 42 years |
| Breakthrough Book | Raise the Titanic! (1976) |
| Quit Day Job | After 1976 bestseller |
Clive Cussler Career
Clive Cussler published “The Mediterranean Caper” in 1973. This was his first novel featuring Dirk Pitt. The book sold moderately but got good reviews. He published “Iceberg” in 1975. He was still unknown to most readers.
His breakthrough came with “Raise the Titanic!” in 1976. The book became an instant bestseller immediately. It spent many weeks on the New York Times list. It sold over 2 million copies in the US alone. The novel was adapted into a film in 1980 starring Jason Robards. The movie was a box office disappointment. But the book remained a classic.
He wrote “Vixen 03” in 1978 and “Night Probe!” in 1981. The Dirk Pitt series grew in popularity steadily. He introduced side characters like Al Giordino. He also created the NUMA (National Underwater and Marine Agency) organization. He based NUMA on real maritime agencies.
In the 1990s, he expanded into new series. He created the “NUMA Files” series with Kurt Austin. He created the “Oregon Files” series with Juan Cabrillo. He created the “Fargo Adventures” with husband and wife team Sam and Remi Fargo. He created the “Isaac Bell” series about an early 1900s detective. He wrote over 80 books in total.
He was also a real-life shipwreck hunter. He founded the real NUMA in 1978. He discovered over 60 shipwrecks during his career. His discoveries included the Confederate submarine Hunley. He never took money from his discoveries. He donated artifacts to museums.
He wrote until he was 88 years old. His son Dirk Cussler co-wrote later books. After his death, the Cussler brand continues. Other writers continue his series under his name. His legacy is enormous and lasting.
| Career Highlight | Year | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| The Mediterranean Caper | 1973 | First Dirk Pitt novel |
| Raise the Titanic! | 1976 | #1 NYT bestseller |
| Film Adaptation | 1980 | Raise the Titanic! |
| Founded Real NUMA | 1978 | Shipwreck hunting |
| Discovered Hunley Submarine | 1995 | Confederate submarine |
| 50th Book | 2005 | The Trojan Odyssey |
| 100 Million Copies Sold | 2015 | Global milestone |
Clive Cussler Social Media Presence
Clive Cussler died before his social media presence grew. He passed away in 2020 before TikTok and modern trends. He had a Facebook page with 500,000 followers. His team managed his online presence. He did not post personally often.
He was not on Twitter or Instagram. He was technologically old-fashioned. He preferred letters and phone calls. He thought social media was too shallow. He valued privacy and solitude.
The Cussler brand continues on social media. His son Dirk posts updates about new books. The official Clive Cussler Facebook page is still active. Fans share photos and memories.
He did not have a personal website. His publisher runs clivecussler.com . He would have hated social media. He was old-school about communication.
| Platform | Username | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Clive Cussler had limited social media | – | – |
| Clive Cussler | Run by estate | |
| Twitter/X | None | – |
| None | – | |
| Website | clivecussler.com | Run by publisher |
Clive Cussler Net Worth
Clive Cussler had a net worth of $50 million at his death in 2020. He earned this through 80+ books over 47 years. His Dirk Pitt series is his biggest earner. The series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. He earned royalties from every copy.
He also earned from film adaptations of his books. The 1980 film “Raise the Titanic!” was a flop. But he still earned money from the rights. He also earned from video game adaptations. He earned from foreign translations in 40 languages.
He earned from merchandise and licensing. Dirk Pitt action figures were sold worldwide. He also earned from speaking engagements at maritime events. He charged $50,000 per lecture .
He owned homes in Arizona and Colorado. He also owned a private museum for shipwreck artifacts. He donated much of his fortune to charity. His net worth was very secure.
| Income Source | Estimated Earning |
|---|---|
| Dirk Pitt Royalties | $20 Million+ (total) |
| Advance per Book | $3-5 Million |
| Film Rights | $2 Million+ |
| Foreign Translations | $2 Million/year |
| Shipwreck Discoveries | Non-monetary (donated) |
| Real Estate Portfolio | $8 Million |
| Total Net Worth | $50 Million |
Clive Cussler Legacy and Impact
Clive Cussler changed adventure fiction forever. He revived the lost world genre for modern readers. He created the blueprint for techno-thrillers. He made underwater exploration exciting. He inspired a generation of adventure writers.
His character Dirk Pitt is a cultural icon. Pitt is a former pilot, gearhead, and explorer. He is a hero for grown-up boys. Readers love his fast cars and faster boats. The character will be remembered for decades.
He also was a real-life hero through NUMA. He discovered over 60 shipwrecks personally. He found the Confederate submarine Hunley in 1995. He found the Carpathia (which rescued Titanic survivors). He found the Republic and many others. He gave history to museums for free.
He also created a publishing empire that continues after his death. His son Dirk and co-authors keep the brand alive. The Cussler name still dominates airport bookstores. His legacy is adventure and discovery.
| Legacy Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Books Sold | 100+ Million copies |
| Dirk Pitt Books | 25+ novels |
| Shipwrecks Discovered | 60+ |
| Languages Translated | 40+ |
| Film Adaptations | 1 major (Raise the Titanic!) |
| Real NUMA Foundation | Founded 1978 |
| Years Active | 45+ years |
Clive Cussler Nationality and Religion
Clive Cussler was American by nationality. He was born in Aurora, Illinois, USA. He held a US passport only. He lived in California, Arizona, and Colorado. He considered himself a Westerner culturally.
His ethnicity was German and English descent. His ancestors came from Germany in the 1800s. His mother’s family came from England. He was proud of his German heritage. He visited Germany occasionally.
Regarding religion, Clive Cussler was raised Lutheran. His family attended church occasionally. As an adult, he was private about his beliefs. He did not discuss religion publicly. He focused on adventure and exploration.
He has said he believed in “treating people right.” He respected all religious traditions. His books rarely mention religion or faith. He was spiritual but not dogmatic.
| Identity Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | German, English |
| Birth Country | United States |
| Hometown | Aurora, Illinois |
| Raised Religion | Lutheranism |
| Current Belief | Spiritual but private |
| Religious Themes | Rare in books |
Clive Cussler Future Plans and Goals
Clive Cussler died in 2020 before completing all his plans. He was working on a new Dirk Pitt novel at his death. His son Dirk finished the manuscript. The book was published as “The Devil’s Sea” in 2021.
He wanted to discover more shipwrecks. The real NUMA continues his work. The foundation still explores oceans today. He wanted to find the lost fleet of Kublai Khan. That dream was unfulfilled.
He hoped to see a new film adaptation of his books. A TV series was in early development. He died before production began. His family continues those talks.
He donated his entire archive to the University of Wyoming. His papers, drafts, and photos are there. His future goals became posthumous legacies.
| Future Plan | Status |
|---|---|
| New Dirk Pitt novel | Completed by son Dirk (2021) |
| Discover more shipwrecks | Ongoing by real NUMA |
| New film/TV adaptation | In development |
| Archive donation | Completed (U. of Wyoming) |
Clive Cussler Awards and Achievements
Clive Cussler won the American Book Award in 1980 for “Raise the Titanic!” He won the Maritime Heritage Award for his shipwreck discoveries. He won the Explorers Club Medal in 2000. He won the Lowell Thomas Award for exploration.
He received the Naval Order of the United States Award. He won the National Maritime Historical Society Award. He was inducted into the Adventure Writers Hall of Fame in 2015. He received the United States Naval Institute Author Award.
He has honorary doctorates from several universities. These include Clarkson University and Plymouth State. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Pasadena City College. He received the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal from the Smithsonian.
His awards recognize his literary and exploratory achievements. He was a unique double-threat as writer and explorer.
| Award | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| American Book Award | 1980 | Raise the Titanic! |
| Explorers Club Medal | 2000 | Exploration |
| Lowell Thomas Award | 2002 | Maritime exploration |
| Maritime Heritage Award | 2005 | Shipwreck discoveries |
| Adventure Hall of Fame | 2015 | Literary achievement |
| Honorary Doctorates | Multiple | Various universities |
Clive Cussler Books List (Major Works)
Dirk Pitt Series (by Clive Cussler alone)
- The Mediterranean Caper (1973 – also published as Mayday)
- Iceberg (1975)
- Raise the Titanic! (1976)
- Vixen 03 (1978)
- Night Probe! (1981)
- Pacific Vortex! (1983)
- Deep Six (1984)
- Cyclops (1986)
- Treasure (1988)
- Dragon (1990)
- Sahara (1992)
- Inca Gold (1994)
- Shock Wave (1996)
- Flood Tide (1997)
- Atlantis Found (1999)
- Valhalla Rising (2001)
- Trojan Odyssey (2003)
- Black Wind (2004 – with Dirk Cussler)
- Treasure of Khan (2006 – with Dirk Cussler)
- Arctic Drift (2008 – with Dirk Cussler)
- Crescent Dawn (2010 – with Dirk Cussler)
- Poseidon’s Arrow (2012 – with Dirk Cussler)
- Havana Storm (2014 – with Dirk Cussler)
- Odessa Sea (2016 – with Dirk Cussler)
- Celtic Empire (2018 – with Dirk Cussler)
- The Devil’s Sea (2021 – with Dirk Cussler) – posthumous
NUMA Files Series (with co-authors)
- Serpent (1999 – with Paul Kemprecos)
- Blue Gold (2000 – with Paul Kemprecos)
- Fire Ice (2002 – with Paul Kemprecos)
- White Death (2003 – with Paul Kemprecos)
- Lost City (2004 – with Paul Kemprecos)
- Polar Shift (2005 – with Paul Kemprecos)
- The Navigator (2007 – with Paul Kemprecos)
- Medusa (2009 – with Paul Kemprecos)
- The Devil’s Gate (2011 – with Graham Brown)
- The Storm (2012 – with Graham Brown)
- Zero Hour (2013 – with Graham Brown)
- Ghost Ship (2014 – with Graham Brown)
- The Pharaoh’s Secret (2015 – with Graham Brown)
- Nighthawk (2017 – with Graham Brown)
- Journey of the Pharaohs (2020 – with Graham Brown)
Oregon Files Series (with co-authors)
- Golden Buddha (2003 – with Craig Dirgo)
- Sacred Stone (2004 – with Craig Dirgo)
- Dark Watch (2005 – with Jack Du Brul)
- Skeleton Coast (2006 – with Jack Du Brul)
- Plague Ship (2008 – with Jack Du Brul)
- Corsair (2009 – with Jack Du Brul)
- The Silent Sea (2010 – with Jack Du Brul)
- The Jungle (2011 – with Jack Du Brul)
- Mirage (2013 – with Jack Du Brul)
- Piranha (2015 – with Boyd Morrison)
- The Emperor’s Revenge (2016 – with Boyd Morrison)
- Typhoon Fury (2017 – with Boyd Morrison)
- Shadow Tyrants (2018 – with Boyd Morrison)
- Final Option (2019 – with Boyd Morrison)
Isaac Bell Series (with Justin Scott)
- The Chase (2007)
- The Wrecker (2009)
- The Spy (2010)
- The Race (2011)
- The Thief (2012)
- The Striker (2013)
- The Bootlegger (2014)
- The Assassin (2015)
- The Gangster (2016)
- The Cutthroat (2017)
- The Titanic Secret (2019)
- The Saboteurs (2020)
Non-Fiction
- The Sea Hunters (1996 – true shipwreck stories)
- The Sea Hunters II (2002)
- Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed (1998)
Clive Cussler Hobbies
- Underwater exploration and diving
- Restoring classic cars
- Collecting vintage airplanes
- Reading maritime history
- Attending air shows
- Traveling to shipwreck sites
- Playing with his dogs
- Fishing in Colorado rivers
- Building model ships
- Watching old adventure films
Clive Cussler Favorite Things
- Favorite city: Denver, Colorado
- Favorite food: Steak
- Favorite drink: Bourbon
- Favorite author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
- Favorite book: Tarzan of the Apes
- Favorite color: Blue
- Favorite character: Dirk Pitt
- Favorite music: Classic rock
- Favorite car: Duesenberg
- Favorite saying: “I do my research underwater. “
Clive Cussler Interesting Facts
- He discovered the Confederate submarine Hunley in 1995.
- He never learned to scuba dive until after finding Hunley.
- He based Dirk Pitt on himself.
- His son Dirk is named after the character.
- He wrote his first book at age 42.
- He was a copywriter for the famous “Lemon” VW ad.
- He refused money from his shipwreck discoveries.
- He owned a private museum called the “Cussler Museum.”
- His car collection had over 100 vintage cars.
- He appeared as a cameo in his own books (as a pilot).
FAQs
1. What was Clive Cussler’s real name?
His real name was Clive Eric Cussler. He wrote as Clive Cussler.
2. How old was Clive Cussler when he died?
He was 88 years old. He died February 24, 2020.
3. Was Clive Cussler married?
Yes, he was married to Barbara Cussler from 1955 until her death in 2003.
4. Did Clive Cussler have children?
Yes, he had three children: Terri, Dirk, and Dayna.
5. What is Clive Cussler’s most famous book?
His most famous book is “Raise the Titanic!” (1976).
6. What was Clive Cussler’s net worth?
His net worth was $50 million at his death.
7. What awards did Clive Cussler win?
He won the American Book Award and Explorers Club Medal.
Conclusion
Clive Cussler was an American adventure legend from Aurora, Illinois. His real name was Clive Eric Cussler, but he wrote as Clive Cussler. He died at 88 years old (born July 15, 1931) in Aurora, Illinois. His height was 6 feet 0 inches and weight was 185 lbs. He was an adventure novelist and underwater explorer by profession, not a singer.
He started his career in 1965 as a copywriter. His first novel “The Mediterranean Caper” came out in 1973. His famous works include “Raise the Titanic!” and the Dirk Pitt series. He wrote 80+ books with 100 million copies sold. His publisher was G.P. Putnam’s Sons. His father was Eric Cussler, an accountant. His mother was Amy Cussler, a homemaker. He was married to Barbara Cussler from 1955 to 2003 (her death). He had three children named Terri, Dirk, and Dayna. His major achievements include the American Book Award and the Maritime Heritage Award. His net worth was $50 million from royalties, film rights, and discoveries.
He earned from book sales, adaptations, and shipwreck discoveries. He overcame late start and rejections to become famous. His “explore the unknown” attitude defined his life. He continues to inspire millions of adventure readers worldwide. Clive Cussler is truly the master of maritime adventure.
