FW de Klerk
Birth Sign Pisces
Birthplace Johannesburg, South Africa
#78,630 Most Popular
About
South African president from 1989 to 1994 who, despite being a conservative with a past of supporting racial segregation, brokered the end of apartheid and helped lead South Africa to become a multi-racial democracy. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his revolutionary efforts.
Before Fame
He rose up in the white-only government through contacts from his father.
Trivia
It was he who decided to release Nelson Mandela from jail after he had spent 27 years there fighting apartheid. He was succeeded by Mandela as president.
Family Life
He was married to his first wife, Marike de Klerk for 38 years before divorcing her.
Associated With
He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 along with Nelson Mandela for their work ending the apartheid.
