Born: 7 July 1907 · Died: 8 May 1988 · Age at death: 80
How old was Robert A. Heinlein when he died?
Robert A. Heinlein died aged 80. He was born on 7 July 1907 and died on 8 May 1988.
Highly influential American science fiction author of Starship Troopers
Did you know?He coined several popular terms, including "grok", which eventually became common enough to be included in English dictionaries.
Quick facts
Date of birth7 July 1907
Date of death8 May 1988
Age at death80
Cause of deathHeart failure
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceButler, United States
Occupationwriter, screenwriter, literary critic
Editor's Take:
Robert Heinlein helped move science fiction from pulp magazines into the mainstream. He imagined future societies with engineering detail and strong opinions. His books range from military discipline to free love and libertarian revolt on the Moon. Readers have argued over them for decades. He also wrote juvenile novels that drew many young readers into science. Some of his views have aged badly. His influence on the genre and on spaceflight enthusiasts is immense.
Key Milestones
1939: Publishes his first story
1959: Publishes Starship Troopers
1961: Publishes Stranger in a Strange Land
1975: Named the first SFWA Grand Master
Robert Anson Heinlein ( HYNE-lyne; July 7, 1907 – May 8, 1988) was an American science fiction author, engineer, and naval officer.
