Childhood and Education Journey of Bob Woodward in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Bob Woodward, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Bob Woodward is a highly influential American investigative journalist renowned for his work at The Washington Post, beginning in 1971. While currently holding the title of associate editor, he's not an active employee. He gained prominence for his extensive investigative reporting, particularly alongside Carl Bernstein, on the Watergate scandal, which led to numerous awards and ultimately, President Richard Nixon's resignation. Woodward has authored or co-authored numerous best-selling books focusing on American politics and presidencies, solidifying his reputation as a significant chronicler of power and decision-making within the U.S. government.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

March 26, 1943: Robert Upshur Woodward Born

On March 26, 1943, Robert Upshur Woodward was born. He is an American investigative journalist.

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August 25, 1957: Elsa Walsh's Birth

August 25, 1957, is the birth date of Elsa Walsh, who would later become Woodward's third wife.

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1961: Enrolled in Yale University

In 1961, after graduating from WCHS, Woodward enrolled in Yale University with a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship. He studied history and English literature, joined the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and was a member of Book and Snake.

1965: Received B.A. Degree from Yale

In 1965, Woodward received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University.

1966: First Marriage

In 1966, Woodward married Kathleen Middlekauff, his high school sweetheart.

1969: Divorce from Kathleen Middlekauff

In 1969, Woodward divorced Kathleen Middlekauff.

August 1970: Discharged as Lieutenant

In August 1970, Woodward was discharged as a lieutenant.

August 1974: Nixon Resigned

In August 1974, The Final Days of Nixon's presidency ended with his resignation.

1974: Second Marriage

In 1974, Woodward married Frances Kuper.

1979: Divorce from Frances Kuper

In 1979, Woodward divorced Frances Kuper.

1989: Third Marriage to Elsa Walsh

In 1989, Woodward married Elsa Walsh, a writer for The New Yorker.

2001: Robert C. Vance Distinguished Lecture

In 2001, Woodward gave the Robert C. Vance Distinguished Lecture at Central Connecticut State University.

June 2003: Conversation with Confidential Administration Source

After a June 2003 conversation with a confidential administration source, Woodward had later conversations with Scooter Libby and might have asked Libby further questions about Joe Wilson's wife before her employment at the CIA and her identity were publicly known.

June 2003: Learned about Plame's CIA Employment

In June 2003, a senior administration official informed Woodward that Joe Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame, worked for the CIA as a WMD analyst during a background interview for Plan of Attack.

June 2003: Apologized to Leonard Downie Jr.

Woodward apologized to Leonard Downie Jr., editor of The Washington Post, for not informing him earlier of the June 2003 conversation about Valerie Plame. Downie accepted the apology.

2004: Confidential Background Interview

In 2004, during a confidential background interview for his book 'Plan of Attack', Woodward learned about Valerie Plame's CIA employment but did not initially consider it important.

Plan of Attack

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May 2005: Deep Throat Identity Revealed

In May 2005, W. Mark Felt was revealed as Deep Throat. Woodward then published a book, "The Secret Man," detailing his relationship with Felt.

November 14, 2005: Woodward Deposition in Plame Case

On November 14, 2005, Woodward gave a deposition to Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald, testifying that a senior administration official told him in June 2003 that Joe Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame, worked for the CIA.