You might know Niel deGrasse Tyson as one of the most prominent faces of modern science. He’s got tons of books, appeared on television, and hosted the hit TV series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey in 2014.
That said, while some of us practically grew up with Niel, seldom do we find the media mention his wife of three decades, Alice Young.
So, what do we know about the famous astrophysicist’s wife? Who is the woman behind one of the most influential scientists in the 21st century? Most importantly, how did the two meet?
Let me answer your most burning questions about Niel deGrasse Tyson wife below.
Alice Young Profile
Here’s a quick look at Alice Young’s details:
- Full Name: Alice Mae Young
- Birthdate: 1958
- Age: 65
- Birthplace: United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Rice University and the University of Texas
- Career: Mathematical Physicist
- Parents: Unknown
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Niel deGrasse Tyson
- Children: Travis and Miranda Tyson
- Famous As: Niel deGrasse Tyson’s wife
Who is Alice Young?
While Niel deGrasse Tyson is certainly the rockstar of modern science, her wife is no less remarkable. Aside from being a mother of two, she shares Niel’s love of science, rocking a doctorate in Mathematical Physics.
Early Life
Alice Mae Young was born in the United States on October 10, 1958. We know that she’s a Texan, although there’s no information about where in Texas she grew up.
The identities of Alice’s parents remain undisclosed to the public. There’s no knowledge of whether she has siblings as well.
That said, while Alice kept a tight lid on her childhood details, she’s been vocal about her love for science as a girl.
Education
Following her passion for the sciences, Alice focused her higher education on physics. She attended Rice University in Houston, Texas, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physics.
She then went to the University of Texas in Austin for her graduate education. In 1985, she received her Ph.D. in Mathematical Physics.
Career
If you’re a fan of Niel’s work, I’m sure you often see Alice as a supportive figure to her husband. She usually attends red carpet events like the Emmys, along with Niel and their children.
But did you know Alice is also a brilliant computer programmer? In fact, after earning her doctorate in physics, her primary line of work involved information technologies.
She then landed a job as an IT manager at Bloomberg LLC, a massive software and media company in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Nowadays, Alice’s working as a computer programming specialist. She’s undoubtedly rocking quite the resume!
How Did Alice and Niel Meet?
So, how did Alice Young meet the 21st century’s sexiest astrophysicist? Well, theirs is quite the love story, united by fate through their shared passion for physics.
Alice and Niel met when they were both 27 years old in 1985. They were both attending graduate school for their doctorate at the University of Texas, Austin.
Being in the same field, it so happened that Alice shared a physics course with Niel. In one of the lectures discussing relativity, Niel saw Alice and immediately liked her.
However, Alice wouldn’t notice Niel until much later.
In an interview with People.com, Alice admitted that she did not look Niel’s way during those lectures. But only because of their distinct personalities.
Niel was a back row seater, while she preferred to be in front. Focused on her studies, Alice took her time to want to get to know Niel.
Nonetheless, Niel took the steps to pursue Alice, and the two eventually dated.
After receiving his master’s in astronomy, Niel left the University of Texas and went to the University of Columbia to earn his doctorate in Astrophysics. During this time, Alice was already pursuing a career in IT.
After two years of dating, Alice Young married Niel deGrasse Tyson in 1988. The two kept the details of their wedding from the public eye, though.
Neil and Alice have been together for over 30 years. They faced challenges and celebrated triumphs together, successfully raising two beautiful children.
Children and Family Life
Alice Young and Niel deGrasse Tyson share two children, Miranda and Travis. Their family is currently living in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
Miranda Tyson
As lovers of astronomy, they named their eldest child, Miranda, from one of the moons of Uranus. But that’s not the only thing worth noting about Niel and Alice’s daughter.
Miranda graduated from Harvard University. Unlike her parents, though, she chose to step away from the sciences and pursued a bachelor’s of arts, majoring in East Asian Studies.
Miranda is active in social work and is an advocate of feminism. She was the Director of the 5th United Nations Conference on Women in 2020.
She served and participated in the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) conferences, preaching for young leaders and the youth.
Currently, she’s working as a teacher at NYCDOE High School of Arts and Technology.
Travis Tyson
Travis is the youngest son of Alice and Niel. He’s best known for participating in season two of ABC’s reality show Claim to Fame.
Travis, Miranda, Alice, and Neil also appeared in the TV show Celebrity Family Feud back in 2017.
The Controversies of Niel deGrasse Tyson
Niel deGrasse Tyson is the closest to a celebrity physicist you can get. He’s beloved by millions and respected in the scientific community.
That’s why it came as a shock to everyone when allegations of sexual misconduct against Niel emerged in 2018. Four women came forward and accused the cosmologist of inappropriate behavior on separate occasions.
The news became a problematic hiccup to Niel’s career, who was at risk of losing his job.
However, despite the strong allegations, Alice stood firm in support of her husband. She stayed on Niel’s side and didn’t let the negativity affect her family.
The court would later clear Niel of the sexual misconduct charges.
FAQs
Is Neil deGrasse Tyson still married?
Yes. Niel deGrasse Tyson remains happily married to her wife, Alice Mae Young. They’ve been together for over 30 years and living in Lower Manhattan with their children.
Does Niel deGrasse Tyson have kids?
Niel deGrasse Tyson and his wife, Alice Young, have two children, Miranda and Travis. Miranda is a graduate of Harvard, and Travis is known for appearing in ABC’s show Claim to Fame.
Final Thoughts
Saying that Niel deGrasse Tyson hit the jackpot with his wife, Alice Young, would be an understatement. She’s a loyal wife, a caring mother, and, most importantly, a passionate scientist, just like her husband.
Can you imagine anyone else as perfect to be Niel deGrasse Tyson’s wife? I surely can’t!
