Bill Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Rising from a small town in Arkansas, he built a long public career that included state leadership, two presidential terms, impeachment proceedings, and decades of post-presidential global activity. This biography presents verified facts about his life, family, education, political career, presidency, personal life, health, and post–White House work.
Quick Profile
- Full Name: William Jefferson Clinton
- Birth Name: William Jefferson Blythe III
- Date of Birth: August 19, 1946
- Age: 79 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Hope, Arkansas, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White
- Political Party: Democratic Party
- Profession: Politician, Lawyer, Author
- Office Held: 42nd President of the United States
- Presidential Term: January 20, 1993 – January 20, 2001
- Religion: Baptist
Family Background
Bill Clinton was born to Virginia Dell Cassidy, a nurse anesthetist. His biological father, William Jefferson Blythe Jr., died in an automobile accident several months before Clinton was born. His mother later married Roger Clinton Sr., whose surname Clinton later adopted.
- Father: William Jefferson Blythe Jr. (died 1946)
- Mother: Virginia Dell Cassidy
- Stepfather: Roger Clinton Sr.
- Half-Brother: Roger Clinton Jr.
Early Life
Clinton was raised primarily in Hot Springs, Arkansas. His childhood included periods of family instability related to his stepfather’s alcoholism. Despite this, he performed strongly in school and became active in student leadership and civic programs.
In 1963, while participating in the Boys Nation program, he visited the White House and met President John F. Kennedy, an event he later described as influential in shaping his interest in public service.
Education
Bill Clinton followed an academic path focused on government, international affairs, and law, attending several prominent institutions in the United States and abroad.
- High School: Hot Springs High School
- Undergraduate: Georgetown University (School of Foreign Service)
- Graduate Study: University College, Oxford (Rhodes Scholar)
- Law Degree: Yale Law School
Early Political Career
After completing law school, Clinton returned to Arkansas and entered public service. He was elected Arkansas attorney general in 1976, establishing himself as a rising political figure in the state.
In 1978, he was elected governor of Arkansas at age 32, becoming one of the youngest governors in U.S. history. After losing re-election in 1980, he returned to office in 1983 and remained governor until 1992.
- Arkansas Attorney General: 1977–1979
- Governor of Arkansas: 1979–1981, 1983–1992
Presidential Elections
Clinton ran for president in 1992 and won a three-way election against incumbent President George H. W. Bush and independent candidate Ross Perot. He was re-elected in 1996.
- 1992 Election: Elected President
- 1996 Election: Re-elected President
- Vice President: Al Gore
Presidency (1993–2001)
Bill Clinton’s presidency focused on domestic policy, economic management, and international diplomacy. His administration coincided with economic expansion and federal budget surpluses in the late 1990s.
- Major Legislation: North American Free Trade Agreement, Welfare Reform Act, Family and Medical Leave Act
- Economic Outcome: Federal budget surpluses from 1998 to 2001
- Supreme Court Appointments: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer
Impeachment
In 1998, Clinton was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. In 1999, the U.S. Senate acquitted him, allowing him to complete his second term.
- Impeachment: 1998
- Acquittal: 1999
Foreign Policy
Clinton’s foreign policy included NATO expansion, diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, and military intervention in the Balkans during the 1990s.
- NATO expansion into Eastern Europe
- Dayton Accords related to Bosnia and Herzegovina
- U.S. involvement in Kosovo
Personal Life
Bill Clinton married Hillary Rodham in 1975. Their marriage has remained a significant part of his personal and political life.
- Spouse: Hillary Rodham Clinton
- Marriage: 1975
- Children: Chelsea Clinton
Health
Since leaving office, Clinton has experienced several health issues that required medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
- Quadruple bypass heart surgery (2004)
- Heart stent procedure (2010)
- Hospitalization for infection (2021)
Post-Presidency
After leaving the White House, Clinton established the Clinton Foundation and became involved in global initiatives, public speaking, and writing.
- Clinton Foundation (founded 2001)
- Author of multiple books
- Participation in international humanitarian initiatives
Trivia & Facts
- First U.S. president born after World War II.
- Served two full presidential terms.
- Former law professor.
- Played the saxophone.
FAQs
Who was Bill Clinton’s vice president?
Al Gore.
Was Bill Clinton impeached?
Yes. He was impeached in 1998 and acquitted in 1999.
How long did Bill Clinton serve as president?
Two terms, from 1993 to 2001.
