What is Clive Cussler's Net Worth?
Clive Cussler was an American adventure novelist and marine archaeologist with a net worth of $120 million at the time of his death in 2020. Best known for his maritime thrillers featuring adventurer Dirk Pitt, he also authored series such as the "NUMA Files," "Oregon Files," and "Fargo Adventures." Cussler's career saw the sale of over 100 million books, several of which were turned into films. The most notable adaptation was the Matthew McConaughey film "Sahara," which grossed $122 million at the box office.
Early Life and Military Service
Clive Cussler was born on July 15, 1931, in Aurora, Illinois, to Eric and Amy. Raised in Alhambra, California, he was of German descent on his father's side and English on his mother's. At 14, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Cussler attended Pasadena City College before enlisting in the US Air Force during the Korean War, where he worked as a flight engineer and aircraft mechanic, eventually achieving the rank of sergeant.
Career Beginnings
After his military discharge, Cussler entered the advertising industry, working for two major agencies as a copywriter and creative director. He produced award-winning television and radio commercials before transitioning to a writing career.
Dirk Pitt Adventures
In 1965, Cussler began writing at night and released his first novel, "The Mediterranean Caper," in 1973. This introduced his most famous character, Dirk Pitt. He authored 26 Dirk Pitt novels, blending maritime adventure with technology, treasure, and thrilling storylines akin to James Bond and Indiana Jones. Notable titles include "Raise the Titanic!", "Sahara", "Shock Wave", and "The Devil's Sea." Seventeen of his novels made the New York Times fiction bestseller list, with "Raise the Titanic!" and "Sahara" adapted into films.
The NUMA Files
The "NUMA Files" series began in 1999 with "Serpent." It follows Kurt Austin, the team leader of the National Underwater and Marine Agency's special assignments division. Characters from the Dirk Pitt novels frequently appear, including Al Giordino and Rudi Gunn. Cussler wrote 19 books in this series, including titles such as "Fire Ice," "Polar Shift," and "Dark Vector."
The Oregon Files
Launched in 2003 with "Golden Buddha," the "Oregon Files" series centers around the high-tech ship Oregon used by a corporation led by Juan Cabrillo. The crew, working for the CIA and other agencies, combat crime and terrorism. The series includes 16 novels, among them "Dark Watch", "Corsair", and "Hellburner."
Isaac Bell Adventures
The "Isaac Bell Adventures" series began in 2007 with "The Chase." It follows the skilled investigator Isaac Bell in early 20th-century adventures. Similar to Dirk Pitt, Bell has a penchant for classic cars. The series contains 13 novels, including "The Spy," "The Striker," and "The Cutthroat."
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Fargo Adventures
The "Fargo Adventures" series began with "Spartan Gold" in 2009 and concluded with "The Serpent's Eye" in 2023. It follows Sam and Remi Fargo, married professional treasure hunters. The 13-novel series includes titles such as "Lost Empire," "The Mayan Secrets," and "Wrath of Poseidon."
Non-Fiction Works
Beyond novels, Cussler authored several non-fiction books. His first was the 1996 memoir "The Sea Hunters: True Adventures with Famous Shipwrecks," followed by "The Sea Hunters II: Diving the World's Seas for Famous Shipwrecks" in 2002. He also wrote two books on classic cars: "Built for Adventure" and "Built to Thrill."
Deep-Sea Exploration
Cussler founded the nonprofit National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA) to preserve maritime heritage through shipwreck discovery and conservation. NUMA focuses on American ships, particularly Civil War vessels, and has discovered over 60 shipwreck sites.
Personal Life and Death
Cussler married Barbara Knight in 1955, and they had three children: Dirk, Teri, and Dayna. The couple remained together until Barbara's death in 2003. Cussler later married Janet Horvath, and they were together until his death in early 2020 at the age of 88.
