| Net Worth | $120 million |
|---|---|
| Salary | N/A |
| Birthdate | July 15, 1931 |
| Birthplace | Aurora, Illinois |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | N/A |
| Profession | Adventure Novelist, Marine Archaeologist |
| Nationality | American |
What is Clive Cussler’s Net Worth?
Clive Cussler, the American adventure novelist and marine archaeologist, had a net worth of $120 million at the time of his death in 2020.
Highlights
– Clive Cussler was best known for his maritime thriller books featuring adventurer Dirk Pitt.
– He founded the nonprofit National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA) and discovered numerous shipwreck sites.
– Cussler sold more than 100 million books during his career.
– Several of his novels, including “Raise the Titanic!” and “Sahara,” were adapted into films.
Early Life
Clive Cussler was born on July 15, 1931, in Aurora, Illinois. He was raised in Alhambra, California. His father was of German descent, while his mother had English ancestry. Cussler achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14. He enlisted in the US Air Force during the Korean War and worked as a flight engineer and aircraft mechanic.
Career
After his military discharge, Cussler worked in the advertising industry, starting as a copywriter and eventually becoming a creative director. He produced award-winning television and radio commercials.
Dirk Pitt Adventures
In 1973, Cussler released his first novel, “The Mediterranean Caper,” which introduced his iconic character Dirk Pitt. He went on to write a total of 26 Dirk Pitt novels, including “Raise the Titanic!” and “Sahara.” The series combined maritime adventure, high technology, and thrilling escapades.
The NUMA Files
Cussler began the “NUMA Files” series in 1999 with the novel “Serpent.” The series follows Kurt Austin, a team leader of the National Underwater and Marine Agency’s special assignments division. Several characters from the Dirk Pitt novels make appearances in these books.
The Oregon Files
Cussler’s “Oregon Files” series, launched in 2003 with “Golden Buddha,” revolves around a high-tech ship called the Oregon and its crew, which includes members working for the CIA and other agencies. The series comprises 16 novels.
Isaac Bell Adventures
The “Isaac Bell Adventures” series, which began in 2007 with “The Chase,” features skilled investigator Isaac Bell and his adventures in the early 20th century. The series includes 13 novels.
Fargo Adventures
Cussler’s final series was the “Fargo Adventures,” which began with “Spartan Gold” in 2009 and concluded with “The Serpent’s Eye” in 2023. The 13-novel series follows married professional treasure hunters Sam and Remi Fargo.
Non-Fiction Works
In addition to his novels, Cussler authored several non-fiction books, including memoirs about his experiences as an underwater explorer and books about classic cars.
Personal Life and Death
Cussler was married to his first wife, Barbara Knight, from 1955 until her passing in 2003. He then married Janet Horvath. Clive Cussler passed away in early 2020 at the age of 88.
Net Worth Over Time
Throughout his career, Clive Cussler accumulated a net worth of $120 million, primarily from the sales of his books and the success of film adaptations. However, it’s important to note that net worth estimates are based on public information and may not reflect the complete financial picture of an individual.
Components of Net Worth
Cussler’s net worth includes the earnings from book sales, movie adaptations, and the establishment and involvement with the National Underwater and Marine Agency. The success of his Dirk Pitt novels, as well as the popularity of other series like the “NUMA Files” and “Oregon Files,” contributed significantly to his net worth.
In conclusion, Clive Cussler had a remarkable career as an adventure novelist and marine archaeologist. He left behind a legacy of thrilling maritime tales and made significant contributions to underwater exploration. With a net worth of $120 million, he achieved tremendous success throughout his life.