Born: 11 June 1910 · Died: 25 June 1997 · Age at death: 87
How old was Jacques Cousteau when he died?
Jacques Cousteau died aged 87. He was born on 11 June 1910 and died on 25 June 1997.
Oceanographer and filmmaker who co-developed the Aqua-Lung
Did you know?His documentary The Silent World was one of the first films to show the colourful depths of the ocean to a global audience.
Quick facts
Date of birth11 June 1910
Date of death25 June 1997
Age at death87
Cause of deathAcute myocardial infarction
NationalityFrench
BirthplaceSaint-André-de-Cubzac, France
Occupationzoologist, explorer, filmmaker
Editor's Take:
Jacques Cousteau opened the underwater world to millions of people. His Aqua-Lung let divers move freely beneath the waves. His films and television series made the deep sea a place of wonder. Over time he turned from explorer to campaigner. He warned about pollution, overfishing and nuclear waste. Some early films show practices now seen as harmful to marine life. His red cap and French accent became famous across the world.
Key Milestones
1943: Co-invents the Aqua-Lung
1950: Acquires the ship Calypso
1956: Wins the Palme d'Or for The Silent World
1973: Founds the Cousteau Society
Jacques-Yves Cousteau (also UK:; French:; 11 June 1910 – 25 June 1997) was a French naval officer, oceanographer, filmmaker and author.
