William Perry’s Age and Birth Date
William James Perry was born on October 11, 1927, making him 97 years old as of 2025. He is best known as the 19th Secretary of Defense of the United States and a Cold War architect of nuclear policy. This profile clarifies his age, provides a verified timeline of key professional milestones, and distinguishes between public roles and personal biography to support long-term informational value.
Key Biographical Facts
Below are verified attributes and dates most relevant to understanding William Perry’s age and career span. These facts are drawn from public records, official biographies, and reputable historical sources.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | William James Perry | Official biography |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1927 | Public records |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, United States | Reputable biography |
| Age in 2025 | 97 years old | Calculated from birth date |
| Key Role | U.S. Secretary of Defense (1994–1997) | U.S. government records |
| Notable Era | Cold War defense policy | Historical documentation |
Age in Context: Career Timeline
Understanding William Perry’s age requires placing it alongside his professional milestones. His career spans public service, academia, and private-sector advisory roles, demonstrating sustained influence over multiple decades. The timeline below highlights how his age aligns with major contributions to defense and technology policy.
- 1927: Born October 11 in Chicago, Illinois.
- 1950s–1960s: Early career in engineering and defense research.
- 1970s–1980s: Senior roles in the Department of Defense during the Cold War.
- 1994–1997: Served as U.S. Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton.
- 1997–present: Continued public engagement through academic and advisory work.
Public Life vs Personal Biography
When asking how old William Perry is, it is important to distinguish between his public roles and private life. His public timeline is well documented through government service records, news archives, and institutional histories. Personal details outside of his professional contributions are less relevant to his verified public biography. This distinction supports clarity and reduces confusion between age as a biographical fact and age as it relates to his ongoing public influence.
Why Age Matters in Historical Perspective
William Perry’s age provides context for the era in which key policy decisions were made. Being born in 1927 places his formative professional years in the mid-20th century, a period of rapid technological change and geopolitical tension. His perspectives on nuclear strategy and defense modernization are informed by experiences spanning multiple administrations and historical turning points. Recognizing his age helps situate his contributions within their proper historical timeframe.
Continued Relevance and Legacy
At 97 years old, William Perry remains a reference point in discussions about Cold War history and contemporary defense policy. His continued engagement in academic and advisory roles demonstrates that age has not diminished his capacity to contribute to public discourse. For researchers, students, and policymakers, understanding his age and career timeline offers valuable context when examining long-term shifts in national security strategy.
Reliable Sources and Verification
Information in this profile is drawn from publicly available records, including U.S. government archives, institutional biographies, and reputable historical sources. When evaluating claims about William Perry’s age or career, it is advisable to consult primary documents such as official appointment records and verified historical archives. This commitment to verification ensures accuracy and long-term usefulness of the profile.