Colin Powell was a well-known figure in American politics and the military, having served as the 65th United States Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is also a retired four-star general from the United States Army. Colin Powell died in Maryland on October 18, 2021, at 84 years old.
Colin Powell’s net worth
His long and successful career in business, politics, and the military allowed Colin Powell to generate significant wealth. He was estimated to have a net worth of around $60 million when he died in 2021.
General info about Colin Powell
| Net Worth | $60 million |
| Full name | Colin Luther Powell |
| Known as | Colin Powell |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1937 |
| Date of Death | October 18, 2021 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, United States |
| Height | 6’2″ (1.87 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | City College of New York, George Washington University |
| Profession | Politician, Military |
What is Colin Powell’s salary?
As a four-star general, his estimated salary was around $250,000 to $300,000 per year during his active service. After he retired from military service, Powell received a yearly pension of around $20,000 to $30,000.
He also earned income from speaking engagements, book deals, and other business ventures, which could amount to several hundred thousand dollars per year.
What made Colin Powell famous?
Colin Powell became famous for his military career, where he served as a four-star general in the United States Army. He served in various leadership roles, including commanding the United States Army Forces, and was eventually appointed National Security Advisor under President Ronald Reagan.
He also served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush, playing a pivotal role in the Gulf War. He then became the 65th United States Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, during which he was a crucial figure in the administration’s handling of the War on Terror and the justification for the invasion of Iraq.
However, Powell’s role in the Iraq War has also been controversial. He famously presented a speech before the United Nations in February 2003, in which he presented evidence of Iraq’s possession of weapons of mass destruction, which was later found to be faulty intelligence.
He later admitted that the speech was a “blot” on his record and that he had “failed” in his duty to the American people.
Despite this, Powell remains a respected figure in American politics and military, known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to promoting peace and stability around the world until his death in 2021.
How did Colin Powell make his fortune?
Colin Powell made his fortune primarily through his career in the military and politics. He served as a four-star general in the United States Army and held various high-ranking positions, including National Security Advisor and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, earning a substantial salary during his active service. After his retirement, he received a pension from his time in the military, estimated to be around $20,000 to $30,000 per year.
In addition to his military and political career, Colin Powell earned money through speaking engagements, book deals, and other business ventures. He was a highly sought-after speaker, making an estimated $7 million in 2000 alone from 109 speaking engagements, charging an average of $64,000 per speech, but occasionally north of $100,000.
Colin Powell received a substantial $6 million advance for his 1995 autobiography, “My American Journey.” He was also a member of several corporate boards, served as a chairman of America’s Promise Alliance, and was a partner at Kleiner Perkins.
Furthermore, before being confirmed as Secretary of State in 2001, Colin’s financial statements revealed an estimated net worth of around $28 million. This would equal approximately $42 million today when adjusted for inflation.
Family and relationships
| Partner | Alma Vivian Johnson Powell |
| Father | Luther Theophilus Powell |
| Mother | Maud Arial Powell |
| Siblings | Marilyn Berns |
| Children | Michael, Annemarie, Linda |
Colin Powell was married to Alma Vivian Johnson Powell, whom he met while they were both City College of New York students. They had been married since 1962. Colin’s father, Luther Theophilus Powell, was a shipping clerk, and his mother, Maud Arial Powell, was a homemaker. Colin grew up with one sister, Marilyn.
Early life and education
Colin Powell was born on April 5, 1937, in New York City, New York. He grew up in the South Bronx, which at the time was a predominantly African American and Latino neighborhood. Despite facing financial difficulties and adversity, Colin’s parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and a belief in the value of education. He attended Morris High School in the Bronx, where he was an active student, participating in sports and student government.
After graduating high school, Colin attended the City College of New York, where he studied geology. He also joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at CCNY, which would later set him on the path to a military career. After completing his undergraduate studies, Colin joined the United States Army as a second lieutenant in 1958. He served in various roles and locations throughout his 35-year career, eventually rising to the rank of four-star general.
Despite his busy military schedule, Colin decided to continue his education. He later returned to school and earned a master’s degree in business administration from George Washington University in 1983. He also attended various military schools and professional development courses throughout his career. Colin’s dedication to education and his ability to balance his military and academic pursuits are a testament to his strong work ethic and commitment to lifelong learning.
Interesting facts
Colin Powell is known as a leader in both the military and politics. Here are some interesting facts about him:
- He had a set of “13 Rules of Leadership” that he lived by, including “Get mad, then get over it,” “Share credit,” and “Remain calm. Be kind.”
- During his time in the army, he was stationed in Germany at the same time as Elvis Presley and had the opportunity to meet him on two occasions.
- In 1991, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- There are various tributes to him, including a street and an elementary school in El Paso, Texas, named after him.
- His daughter Linda Powell appeared in the movie American Gangster and his son Michael Powell served as the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission for four years.
Notable achievements
Colin Powell has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career. One of his most notable achievements is the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which he received in 1993 from President George H.W. Bush.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor. It is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
In 2002, Colin Powell received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award given by the U.S. Congress. The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to individuals who have performed an achievement that impacts American history and culture and is likely to be recognized as a significant achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.
In addition, Colin Powell received numerous military awards and decorations for his service in the United States Army, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal. He has also been honored by foreign governments, including the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud from Saudi Arabia, the Order of Merit from Jamaica, and the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan.
Get to know Colin Powell
If you’re interested in learning more about Colin Powell and his life and career, several resources are available. One of the best ways to get to know him is by reading his autobiography, “My American Journey.” This book is a detailed account of his life and career in the military and politics and provides an in-depth look at the experiences that shaped him as a person and leader.
Another book that provides insight into Powell’s leadership philosophy and personal anecdotes is “It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership,” a collection of the leadership principles he used throughout his life and career.
For a more visual understanding of Colin Powell, you can watch the documentary “Powell Doctrine.” This documentary presents a comprehensive look at his life, career, and his leadership principles. It’s a great way to gain a deeper understanding of his contributions to American politics and military history and his role in shaping American foreign policy.
Colin Powell with the United States Vice President Kamela Harris.
Final word
In conclusion, Colin Powell was a respected figure in American politics and the military, serving as the 65th United States Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was also a retired four-star general in the United States Army.
He has been recognized for outstanding service to his country throughout his career. He has been honored with numerous awards and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.
Colin Powell has been a successful businessman and speaker, which has resulted in his estimated net worth of $60 million.
