Oliver North Biography
Oliver North (Full Name: Oliver Laurence North) is a popular American political commentator, television host, military historian, author, and former United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel. He was one of the National Security Council staff members during the Iran–Contra affair, a political scandal of the late 1980s.
Oliver was given a limited immunity from prosecution in exchange for testifying before Congress about the scheme. He was formerly convicted on three felony charges, but the convictions were vacated and abolished and all charges against him were dismissed in 1991, on the grounds of immunity. In 1994, Oliver unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate seat occupied by Chuck Robb.
In a three-way race, he narrowly lost to Chuck by a margin of 2.73%. Furthermore, Oliver was a host of a talk show on Radio America from 1995 through 2003 and hosted War Stories with Oliver North on Fox News from 2001 through 2016. In May 2018, he was elected as president of the National Rifle Association. On April 27, 2019, Oliver resigned amidst a dispute with the organization’s chief executive Wayne LaPierre, and was replaced by Carolyn D. Meadows.
Quick Facts
Born | October 7, 1943 (age 81) |
Net Worth | $5 million |
Education | State University of New York, Brockport |
Wife | Betsy Stuart (m. 1967) |
Parents | Ann Theresa and Oliver Clay North |

Oliver North Age
Oliver is 81 years old. He was born on October 7, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, in the United States. Oliver celebrates his birthday on October 7, every year.
Early Life And Education
Oliver was born in San Antonio, Texas, to his parents Ann Theresa (née Clancy) and Oliver Clay North, a U.S. Army major. He was raised in Philmont, New York. Oliver was brought up in the Roman Catholic faith of his mom. The family resides in McLean, Virginia. In 1961, Oliver graduated from Ockawamick Central High School. Later on, he enrolled at the State University of New York at Brockport. In 1963, Oliver studied at the United States Naval Academy.
Oliver North Wife
Oliver is married to his wife Betsy Stuart. He married his wife in 1967. The two have four children named Stuart North, Dornin North, Sarah North, and Tait North. His wife was diagnosed with a debilitating brain disorder called corticobasal syndrome which is incurable, and untreatable.
Colonel
Oliver worked as the United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel. In 1989, he left the Marine Corps.
Iran Contra
Oliver was one of the National Security Council staff members during the Iran–Contra affair. During his Iran-Contra trial, he spent his final two years on active duty assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps in Arlington County, Virginia.
Secretary
Oliver’s secretary was Fawn Hall who was assigned from the Navy to work at the National Security Council on February 26, 1983. On February 26, 1983, Fawn was sent from the Navy to work at the National Security Council as his secretary. She served for Oliver until she was fired on November 25, 1986, at the height of the scandal.
Oliver North Books
– Under Fire: An American Story (1991).
– Mission Compromised (2002).
– The Jericho Sanction (2003).
– American Heroes (2010).
– Heroes Proved (2012).
– We Didn’t Fight for Socialism (2021).
– Tragic Consequences (2022).
– The Giant Awakes: A Jake Kruse Novel (2022).
– American Gulags (2022).
Scandal
Oliver came into the public spotlight due to his participation in the Iran–Contra affair, a political scandal during the Reagan administration. In this affair, Oliver claimed partial responsibility for the marketing of weapons via intermediaries to Iran, as the profits were sent to the Contras in Nicaragua. It was said that Oliver was responsible for the establishment of a covert network that later funneled those funds to the Contras.
America
From 1995 until 2003, Oliver was host of his own nationally syndicated talk radio show on Radio America, which was recognized as the Oliver North Radio Show or Common Sense Radio With Oliver North.
Fox News
From 2001 to 2016, Oliver was the host of War Stories with Oliver North on Fox News Channel.
NRA
On May 7, 2018, the National Rifle Association (NRA) reported that Oliver would become the organization’s next president within the next weeks. He replaced Pete Brownell, the incumbent. Oliver is a board member of the NRA and starred at NRA national conventions in 2007 and 2008. He started his term as president in September 2018.
Oliver reported that he would not work a second term as president, ostensibly against his wishes. On April 24, 2019, he asked LaPierre to resign. In an April 24, 2019, letter to the executive committee of the NRA board, he said that he was creating a committee to investigate alleged financial improprieties, allegations which he claimed threatened the NRA’s non-profit status.
In an April 25, 2019, letter to the NRA board, LaPierre claimed that Oliver was threatening to release damaging details about him. On April 27, 2019, Oliver reported in a letter read on his behalf at the NRA’s annual convention in Indianapolis, Indiana he would not serve a second term. Oliver’s term ended on April 29, 2019, when he was succeeded by Carolyn D. Meadows.
New Book
Oliver’s recent book American Gulags was published in 2023. The book shows readers how to overcome the Marxist indoctrination that has swept across the American government education system.
Vietnam
Oliver worked as a platoon commander during the Vietnam War, where during his combat service he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, and two Purple Heart medals. During the time of his being awarded the Silver Star, Oliver was a platoon commander leading his Marines in Operation Virginia Ridge.
Marine
While at Brockport, Oliver spent a summer at the United States Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. Moreover, he got an appointment at the United States Naval Academy in 1963. Oliver received his commission as second lieutenant in 1968, having missed a year because of serious back and leg injuries from an auto accident in which a classmate was killed. One of Oliver’s classmates at the academy was the future secretary of the Navy and Jim Webb a U.S. senator, whom he beat at the Annapolis during a middleweight championship boxing match.
For President
In May 2018, Oliver was elected as president of the National Rifle Association. On April 27, 2019, he resigned amidst a dispute with the organization’s chief executive Wayne LaPierre, and was replaced by Carolyn D. Meadows.
Trial
In February 1989, Oliver’s trial opened, and on May 4, 1989, he was initially convicted of three: allowing an illegal gratuity, aiding and abetting in the obstruction of a congressional inquiry, and ordering the destruction of documents via his secretary, Fawn Hall. On July 5, 1989, Oliver was jailed by U.S. District Judge Gerhard Gesell to a three-year suspended prison term.
Height
Oliver is a man of tall stature who stands at a height of 6 ft 0 in (approx. 1.83 m).
Net Worth
Oliver’s net worth is $5 million. He has been a political commentator, television host, military historian, and author for over five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Old Is Oliver North?
Oliver is an 81-year-old who was born on October 7, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, in the United States.
What Happened To Oliver North?
Oliver was sentenced on July 5, 1989, by Judge Gerhard Gesell to three years in jail, two years of probation, $150,000 in fines, as well as 1,200 hours of community service.
What Is Oliver North Doing Now?
Oliver is a political commentator, television host, military historian, and author.
Is Oliver North Still Alive?
Oliver is alive and is now 81 years old.
What Did Oliver North Do?
Oliver was convicted of aiding and encouraging the obstruction of Congress, agreeing on an illegal gratuity, and modifying and destroying documents.
How Old Is Oliver North Today?
He is now 81 years old. Oliver was born on October 7, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, in the United States.
Where Is Oliver North?
Oliver works as a political commentator, television host, military historian, and author.
What Was Oliver North Convicted Of?
In 1989, Oliver was convicted of obstructing Congress, altering and destroying government documents, and taking an illegal gratuity.
Was Oliver North Convicted?
Oliver was initially convicted on three felony charges, but the convictions were abolished and reversed and all charges against him were released in 1991, on the grounds of immunity.
How Tall Is Oliver North?
He is a man of tall stature who stands at a height of 6 ft 0 in (approx .1.83 m).
How Much Is Oliver North Worth?
As a political commentator, television host, military historian, and author, Oliver is worth $5 million.
Why Did Oliver North Leave NRA?
Oliver was expelled from NRA after he raised bothers about corruption within the gun-lobbying group.
Who Is Oliver North Married To?
Since 1967, Oliver has been married to Betsy Stuart and they have four kids.
Is Oliver North Married?
Oliver is married to Betsy Stuart.
Social Media Handles
Twitter – @OliverLNorth
Instagram – ojnorth