Darrell Miklos, born on February 19, 1963, is a celebrated American treasure hunter and reality TV star, now 62 years old in 2025. His net worth of $2 million stems from a salary of approximately $30,000 per episode for shows like “Cooper’s Treasure” on Discovery Channel. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 85 kg, Miklos is married with two daughters, balancing a private family life with high-stakes underwater expeditions. Through Gemini Marine Exploration, he pursues shipwrecks mapped by astronaut Gordon Cooper, blending space technology with marine archaeology. His adventures, documented on platforms like Instagram @darrellmiklos, captivate audiences worldwide.
Early Life and Family Background Shaping His Age and Career
Darrell Miklos grew up under the wing of his father, Roger Miklos, a former Nevada police officer turned treasure hunter in the 1970s. By age seven, Darrell was diving alongside Roger in Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, salvaging artifacts from wrecks like the 1733 Spanish Fleet and the Atocha. Roger’s ties with Kip Wagner and astronaut Gordon Cooper fueled Darrell’s passion. These early experiences, coupled with certifications from the American Academy of Underwater Sciences, honed his skills. Now at 62 years old, Miklos credits his father’s legacy for his resilience, often navigating storms using modern weather software, as detailed in this profile.
His upbringing wasn’t just about treasure; it was a masterclass in persistence. Unlike many adventurers, Miklos inherited a generational craft, diving with siblings Laurie, Kelly, and Kim. This family dynamic, rarely highlighted, gives his story depth. His height of 5 feet 9 inches and weight of 85 kg reflect the physicality needed for deep-sea recoveries, a testament to his lifelong commitment.
| Biography Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Darrell Miklos |
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1963 |
| Age in 2025 | 62 years old |
| Birthplace | United States (relocated to Florida) |
| Parents | Father: Roger Miklos (deceased 2018); Mother: Not disclosed |
| Siblings | Laurie, Kelly, Kim Miklos |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 85 kg |
| Ethnicity | American, diverse background |
| Early Career | Began diving at age 7 |
| Education | Focused on practical underwater skills |
| Influences | Roger Miklos, Gordon Cooper, Kip Wagner |
Career Milestones: From NASA to TV Stardom and Treasure Finds
Miklos’s career began with NASA’s Apollo Program, recovering booster rockets with his father, a role requiring precision in hazardous conditions. In 2014, he co-founded Gemini Marine Exploration, focusing on historical shipwreck recovery. His work on “Cooper’s Treasure” (2017-2018) saw him chase Cooper’s space-mapped anomalies, uncovering a possible Christopher Columbus fleet anchor in the Turks and Caicos. In 2024, Miklos executive-produced “Lost U-Boats of WWII” on the History Channel, using magnetometry to explore Nazi submarine wrecks, as noted on Discovery’s site.
A standout moment came when his team found lead sheeting from a colonial wreck, validating Cooper’s logs against skeptics. Miklos’s quote, “Documenting it means they’re going to be caught on film trying to steal it,” reflects his strategy to deter competitors. My insight as an observer of marine archaeology: Miklos’s fusion of 1960s NASA data with modern sonar—boasting 70-80% anomaly accuracy—sets him apart, offering a narrative beyond typical treasure-hunting tales.
| Career Milestones | Key Achievements |
|---|---|
| NASA Involvement | Apollo-era rocket recovery |
| Company Founded | Gemini Marine Exploration (2014) |
| TV Debut | “Cooper’s Treasure” (2017) |
| Major Finds | Columbus-era anchor, 1700s cannons, gold coins |
| Recent Project | “Lost U-Boats of WWII” (2024) |
| Certifications | American Academy of Underwater Sciences |
| Exploration Sites | Bahamas, Bermuda Triangle, Turks and Caicos |
| Artifacts Collected | 1733 Fleet, Atocha, Concepcion |
Net Worth, Salary, and Financial Success in 2025
At 62 years old, Miklos’s net worth is estimated at $2 million in 2025, driven by a salary of $30,000 per episode from TV, his exploration company, and artifact sales through Spanish Main Antiques. Unlike many reality stars, his wealth ties to tangible assets, like jewelry from Site #212. A case study: Recovering six 1700s cannons boosted both historical knowledge and his market value, with sales showing steady growth. His diversified income—TV, expeditions, and endorsements—ensures stability in a risky field. Explore more financial details here.
| Financial Details | Estimates |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | $2 million |
| Salary per Episode | $30,000 |
| Primary Income | TV, Gemini Marine Exploration, artifact sales |
| Company Revenue | Shipwreck recovery services |
| Asset Highlights | Private treasure collection |
| Growth Factors | Ongoing hunts like Site #212 |
Personal Life: Married Life, Dating History, Height, and Weight
Married with two daughters, including Leilani, Miklos celebrates anniversaries on November 10th but keeps his wife’s identity private for safety. No public dating history exists pre-marriage, reflecting his discretion. His height of 5 feet 9 inches and weight of 85 kg support the physical demands of diving. A personal anecdote: During a 2014 hurricane, Miklos narrowly escaped a sinking boat, a moment that tested his family’s resilience. He shares glimpses of family life on Instagram @darrellmiklos, balancing adventure with fatherhood. Learn more via his Cameo page.
| Personal Life Elements | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married (anniversary Nov 10) |
| Wife’s Name | Private |
| Children | Two daughters (e.g., Leilani Miklos) |
| Dating History | Not disclosed |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches |
| Weight | 85 kg |
| Family Privacy | Keeps details low-key |
| Social Media | Instagram @darrellmiklos (8k+ followers) |
| Hobbies | Diving, family vacations (e.g., Denmark) |
Unique Challenges and Future Prospects at Age 62
Miklos faces perils like storms and venomous sea life, but competitors stealing finds pose the greatest threat—countered by strategic filming. His discovery of an Unidentified Submerged Object (USO) in the Bermuda Triangle, tied to Cooper’s UFO theories, adds intrigue, sparking online debates. Over 40 years, he’s explored 20+ countries, contributing artifacts to museums and history. With no “Cooper’s Treasure” Season 3, Miklos pursues private hunts, potentially eyeing new documentaries. His story, blending family legacy with cutting-edge tech, inspires. Follow updates on Wikipedia or his socials.
| Challenges and Insights | Examples |
|---|---|
| Risks Faced | Storms, competitors, sea hazards |
| Unique Discoveries | USO in Bermuda Triangle |
| Tech Used | Magnetometry, weather software |
| Contributions | Artifacts to museums/antiques |
| Future Plans | Potential new series or hunts |
| Inspirational Quote | “Documenting it means they can’t steal it” |