Warren Buffett Biography 2026: Age, Height, Wife, Career, Net Worth & Untold Facts
Warren Buffett is one of the most influential investors in modern history—an American business icon whose disciplined value-investing approach reshaped global finance. As chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway in Omaha, Nebraska, he built a multi-industry empire and earned a reputation for clarity, patience, and long-term thinking.
The “Oracle of Omaha” who turned a failing textile mill into a $1-trillion empire is now handing over the reins—yet his wisdom still moves markets daily. Below is the most up-to-date dossier on Warren Edward Buffett in 2026.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Warren Edward Buffett |
| Nick Name | “Oracle of Omaha” |
| Profession | Investor, Chairman & Former CEO, Berkshire Hathaway |
| Birth Date | August 30, 1930 |
| Age | 95 years 4 months old |
| Birth Place | Omaha, Nebraska, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian / mixed European |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | ≈ 183 lb (83 kg) |
| Hair Color | Grey (formerly brown) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | B.S. University of Nebraska; M.S. Economics Columbia (studied under Benjamin Graham) |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Astrid Menks (m. 2006) |
| Previous Spouse | Susan Thompson (d. 2004) |
| Children | 3 (Susie, Howard, Peter) |
| Hobbies | Bridge, ukulele, Cherry Coke, philanthropy |
| Years Active | 1949 – present |
| Net Worth (Jan 2026) | ≈ $147.5 billion |
| Known For | Value investing, Berkshire Hathaway, the Giving Pledge |
Early Life & Education
Warren Edward Buffett was born in Omaha in 1930. His father, Howard Buffett, was a stockbroker and later a U.S. Congressman—an early exposure that sparked Warren’s fascination with markets. As a child, he ran small businesses, sold newspapers, and tracked earnings meticulously.
He attended Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania before transferring to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. Buffett then studied under Benjamin Graham at Columbia Business School, completing a Master of Science in Economics. Graham’s principles—margin of safety, intrinsic value, and disciplined analysis—became the backbone of Buffett’s philosophy.
- Born 30 Aug 1930, only son of U.S. Congressman Howard Buffett & Leila Stahl.
- Sold chewing gum & Coca-Cola door-to-door at 6; filed first tax return at 13 claiming $35 deduction for bicycle.
- Graduated high school at 16 with $5,000 saved (≈$70 k today).
- University of Nebraska B.S. Business Administration (1950).
- Columbia University M.S. Economics (1951)—mentored by Benjamin Graham, father of value investing.
Career Journey
Early Investing Years
Buffett began his professional career at Graham-Newman Corp., working directly with Benjamin Graham. After returning to Omaha, he launched Buffett Partnership Ltd. in 1956, delivering exceptional returns through focused, value-driven investments.
Building Berkshire Hathaway
In the 1960s, Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway, then a struggling textile company. Instead of fixing textiles, he transformed Berkshire into a holding company—deploying capital into insurance (GEICO), utilities, railroads (BNSF), manufacturing, and consumer brands.
Global Influence & Leadership
Over decades, Berkshire amassed major stakes in companies such as Apple, Coca-Cola, American Express, and Bank of America. Buffett’s annual shareholder letters became must-reads for investors worldwide, admired for plainspoken insights and long-term discipline.
Recent Activity (2020s–2026)
Entering his mid-90s, Buffett remains active as chairman and CEO, with Greg Abel widely recognized as the designated successor for operations. Berkshire continues to emphasize balance-sheet strength, opportunistic buying, and conservative risk management.
Career Stats (Highlights)
- Berkshire Hathaway Market Cap: Frequently among the world’s top 10 companies
- Shareholder Returns: Long-term compounding significantly above the S&P 500 since 1965
- Major Sectors: Insurance, Energy, Railroads, Consumer Goods, Financial Services
Signature Deals
- GEICO (1996) – turned insurer into cash-cow float engine.
- BNSF Railway (2009) – $26.5 B all-cash acquisition.
- Apple (2016-2018) – accumulated 5.6% stake now worth ≈$180 B.
- Pilot Flying J (2017-2023) – bought 80% of largest U.S. truck-stop chain.
2026 Portfolio Snapshot (top 5 holdings)
- Apple – $179 B
- Bank of America – $38 B
- American Express – $34 B
- Coca-Cola – $24 B
- Chevron – $20 B
*(Source: 13-F filed Nov 2025; prices Jan 2026) *
Career Stats
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Berkshire book-value CAGR (1965-2025) | 19.8% |
| S&P 500 CAGR (with div.) same period | 10.2% |
| Total gain (’65-’25) | 4,384,000% |
| Class A shares (BRK.A) Jan 2026 | ≈$740,750 |
| Annual letters published | 59 (1965-2024) |
| T-Bill / cash hoard (Sept 2025) | ≈$382 B |
| Market cap Jan 2026 | ≈$1.06 trillion |
Personal Life
Buffett married Susan Thompson in 1952; they remained close until her death in 2004. In 2006, he married Astrid Menks, a longtime companion. He has three children, each active in philanthropy and the arts.
He lives modestly in the same Omaha home he purchased in 1958. Outside investing, Buffett enjoys bridge, music, and reading—often spending hours daily reviewing reports and newspapers.
Family Tree
- Parents: Howard & Leila Buffett
- Siblings: Older sister Doris, younger sister Bertie
- Spouse #1: Susan Thompson (1952-2004, separated amicably; she lived in SF until death)
- Partner (now wife): Astrid Menks (married 2006)
- Children:
- Susie Buffett (philanthropist, b. 1953)
- Howard Buffett (farmer & author, b. 1954)
- Peter Buffett (musician, b. 1958)
Home & Lifestyle
Still resides in the same 5-bed Omaha house bought 1958 for $31,500 (≈$330 k today). Drives a 2014 Cadillac XTS; breakfast = McDonald’s + Cherry Coke.
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Weight: ≈ 183 lb (83 kg)
- Build: Slim
- Hair: Grey
- Eyes: Brown
- Shoe Size: 10 US
Awards & Achievements
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2011)
- Founder, Giving Pledge (with Gates, 2010) – 240+ billionaires committed
- Donated ≈$65 B (2025) toward Gates Foundation, Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, & kids’ foundations
- Forbes Billionaire list top 10 (1993-2026) – currently #9 globally
Quotes
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”
“Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.”
“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
Controversies & Criticisms
- Airline sale 2020: Admitted “I made a mistake” dumping airline stocks near COVID lows.
- Tax-rate debate: Draws fire for Berkshire’s low dividend payout vs. his call for higher taxes on the ultra-rich.
- Succession questions: Investors worried about post-Buffett culture; board insists “Oracle will still be in the building” as Chairman .
Favorites
- Drink: Cherry Coke (5 cans/day)
- Food: Pop-corn (from See’s), McDonald’s sausage McMuffin
- Card game: Bridge (plays 12 hrs/week online with Gates)
- Book: The Intelligent Investor (Benjamin Graham)
- Movie: The Bridge on the River Kwai
Salary & Net Worth
- Base salary (Berkshire CEO 2006-2025): $100 k/year (unchanged since 1980s)
- Annual compensation total: ≈$400 k (security, personal)
- Net worth Jan 2026: ≈$147.5 billion
- Philanthropic pledge: 99%+ of wealth; already given ≈$65 B
- If kept all shares (no donations) net worth would exceed $250 B—rivaling elon musk
Interesting Facts
- Still uses a flip-phone; e-mails are printed for him.
- Sent only one tweet in his life (May 2, 2013) – “Warren is in the house.”
- Once bet $1 million that an S&P index fund would beat hedge funds over 10 years—he won (2008-2018 bet).
- Holds the record for most expensive charity lunch auction—$19 million (2022).
- Has a “$2 pocket challenge” with Berkshire directors: if any of them spots Warren with >$2 in pocket change, he pays them $10 k.
Did You Know?
Buffett’s lifetime stock-picking performance has beaten the S&P 500 in 48 of 60 years—a batting average any investor would envy.
Social Media Links
- Twitter (1 tweet wonder): @WarrenBuffett
- Berkshire Hathaway: berkshirehathaway.com
- Forbes Profile: forbes.com/profile/warren-buffett
FAQs
How old is Warren Buffett in 2026?
95 years 4 months old years old.
What is Warren Buffett’s net worth today?
≈ $147.5 billion as of January 2026 .
Who is the new CEO of Berkshire Hathaway?
Greg Abel assumed the CEO role on 1 January 2026; Buffett remains Chairman .
What are Buffett’s biggest holdings?
Apple, Bank of America, American Express, Coca-Cola, Chevron (see table above) .
How much has Buffett donated?
About $65 billion—roughly 44 % of his peak fortune—pledged to exceed 99 % .
How did Warren Buffett make his money?
Primarily through disciplined value investing and long-term ownership of high-quality businesses via Berkshire Hathaway.
Is Warren Buffett still working in 2026?
Yes. He remains chairman and CEO, with succession plans in place.
Who will succeed Warren Buffett?
Greg Abel is widely identified as the operational successor.
What is Warren Buffett’s investing philosophy?
Buy wonderful businesses at fair prices and hold them for the long term.
Conclusion
From selling gum in Omaha to steering a trillion-dollar conglomerate, Warren Buffett’s journey epitomizes patient capital, ethical stewardship, and the power of compounding. Even as he passes the CEO baton in 2026, his annual letters, wit, and timeless principles will continue to guide investors across generations.
Share this article with anyone who still believes “get-rich-quick” beats “get-rich-slow”—because the Oracle just proved, again, that slow and steady wins the race.
