Lee De Forest

Date of Birth: August 26, 1873

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: June 30, 1961

Biography

Lee De Forest was an American inventor, famously known as the “Father of Radio” for his pioneering work in wireless telegraphy and radio broadcasting. Born on August 26, 1873, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, De Forest showed an early interest in electricity and sound. He earned his Ph.D. in physics from Yale University in 1899. One of De Forest’s most significant contributions to technology was the invention of the Audion, or triode vacuum tube, in 1906. This device could amplify weak electrical signals and was crucial in the development of radio, television, and early computers. Throughout his career, De Forest held over 300 patents and was involved in various ventures, including the first radio broadcasts of opera and news. Despite his many achievements, De Forest’s career was marked by numerous legal battles over patent rights and financial struggles. He was married four times and had a turbulent personal life. De Forest passed away on June 30, 1961, in Hollywood, California, leaving behind a legacy that fundamentally shaped modern electronics and communication.

5 Interesting Facts about Lee De Forest

1. Lee De Forest coined the term “radio.”

2. He made the first known radio broadcast featuring live music in 1910.

3. De Forest was involved in over 20 lawsuits over patent rights throughout his career.

4. He was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1959 for his contributions to sound in motion pictures.

5. De Forest was a controversial figure, often clashing with other inventors and businessmen, including Thomas Edison.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lee De Forest

1. “To place a man in contact with the future, is to transform him into a living soul.”

2. “I discovered an amplifier in the Audion, which has revolutionized the transmission of speech and music.”

3. “I was a pioneer, and therefore had to endure the hardships, the doubts, and the derision of the ignorant.”

4. “An inventor is simply a fellow who doesn’t take his education too seriously.”

5. “While theoretically and technically television may be feasible, commercially and financially it is an impossibility.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Lee De Forest’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a substantial amount for his time, though he often faced financial difficulties.