According to a public opinion poll in his homeland, he was considered
to be the "Norwegian of the Century."
Kon-Tiki (1950), the film based on his book and documenting his legendary
adventure crossing the Pacific in a 40-foot balsa raft in 101 days, won
an Oscar.
His books have sold more than 50 million copies world-wide.
Is a member of honor of the Adventurers Club, Denmark.
Children include sons Thor, Jr. and Bjorn; daughters Marian and Helene
Elisabeth.
Together with actress Liv Ullmann he hosted the opening and closing
ceremonies at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games at Lillehammer.
In February of 2000 he received the "Award of Honour" at the Danish "Adventure Film
Festival". The award was designed by Danish designer Henriette
Willerup.