Chris Kyle.

Christopher Scott Kyle

Born 8 Apr 1974 Odessa, United States

Died 2 Feb 2013 Glen Rose, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 52 yr If Living

12 min read

Reading time

2,251

Words

Sep 8, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Nicknamed The Legend and The Devil of Ramadi, Chris Kyle was a Navy SEAL sniper who earned two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars. He wrote the memoir American Sniper, adapted into a 2014 film directed by Clint Eastwood. Eddie Ray Routh killed him on February 2, 2013, at a gun range in Glen Rose, Texas.

Identity & family.

KIN · 4

Names, aliases, and relatives of Chris Kyle — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Christopher Scott Kyle

Nicknames The Devil Of Ramadi, The Devil of Ramadi, The Legend

Parents: Deby Kyle Wayne Kyle
Spouses: Taya Kyle
Siblings: Jeff Kyle

At a glance.

STATS

Chris Kyle by the numbers — life, work, and family.

38 Years lived

3 Awards

1 Marriage

Who was Chris Kyle?

BIOGRAPHY

Chris Kyle — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

The Marine recruiter was out to lunch, so Chris Kyle joined the Navy instead. That decision made him a Navy SEAL. Born on April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas, to Deby and Wayne Kyle, he later attended Tarleton State University.

Career

Chris Kyle served multiple tours in Iraq as a Navy SEAL sniper, earning two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars with Valor. He earned the nicknames The Devil of Ramadi and The Legend, and recorded a confirmed kill at 2100 yards. After leaving the military, he wrote the memoir American Sniper, adapted into a 2014 film directed by Clint Eastwood. He appeared on television shows Stars Earn Stripes 2012, Sons of Guns 2011, and Conan 2010.

Personal life

Chris Kyle married Taya Kyle, and they had two children. He was close to his younger brother Jeff Kyle and was friends with fellow Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. Kyle said he knocked down Jesse Ventura in 2006 for derogatory remarks about the military; Ventura denied the claim and filed a defamation lawsuit.

Legacy

Chris Kyle’s memoir American Sniper became a bestseller and was adapted into a 2014 film directed by Clint Eastwood, fulfilling his wish. The film drew criticism for allegedly glorifying the Iraq War. Kyle’s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Silver Star. He was posthumously awarded two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars with Valor.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 3

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Chris Kyle — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Silver Star

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 27

A wall of memorable lines from Chris Kyle — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

I Don’t Have to Psych Myself Up, or Do Something Special Mentally – I Look Through the Scope, Get My Target in the Cross Hairs, and Kill My Enemy, Before He Kills One of My People.
In the End, My Story, in Iraq and Afterward, Is About More Than Just Killing People or Even Fighting for My Country. It’s About Being a Man. and It’s About Love as Well as Hate.
It’s Not a Problem Taking Out Someone Who Wants Your People Dead. That’s Not a Problem at All.
War Is Hell. Hollywood Fantasizes About It and Makes It Look Good… War Sucks.
I’m Trying to Raise the Awareness of the Troops That, When They Deploy and Go to War, It’s Not Just Them at War – It’s Also Their Family. Their Family Is Having to Go Through All the Hardships and the Stresses.
I’m Just Trying to Be the Me That I Am and Not All of This Other Crap. I Just Want to Be the Family Man, and If Somehow I Can Make the Money to Get My Ranch and Get the Hell Away from Everybody Else, That Would Be Awesome.
The Media Cause More Problems Than They Do Good.
When I Grew Up, I Only Had Two Dreams. One Was to Be a Cowboy and Another Was to Be in the Military. I Grew up Extremely Patriotic and Riding Horses.
You Have to Slow Your Heart Rate, Stay Calm. You Have to Shoot in Between Your Heartbeats.
It Was My Duty to Shoot the Enemy, and I Don’t Regret It. My Regrets Are for the People I Couldn’t Save: Marines, Soldiers, Buddies. I’m Not Naive, and I Don’t Romanticize War. the Worst Moments of My Life Have Come as a SEAL. but I Can Stand Before God with a Clear Conscience About Doing My Job.
But Even Before I Was in the Military, I Was Extremely Jumpy When Asleep.
Every Time I Kill Someone, He Can’t Plant an I.E.D. You Don’t Think Twice About It.
I Would Love for People to Be Able to Think of Me as a Guy Who Stood up for What He Believed in and Helped Make a Difference for the Vets.
The Navy Credits Me with More Kills as a Sniper Than Any Other American Service Member, Past or Present.
I’m a Better Husband and Father Than I Was a Killer.
I Really Don’t Care What People Think of Me.
I’m Just Trying to Get Back to Normal Life.
There’s Definitely Still a Lot of Hurt from Losing My Guys or the Fact That I Got Out and I Felt Like It Wasn’t My Time Yet.
I Am Not a Fan of Politics.
After I Was Discharged from the Military, It Was Difficult Trying to Become a Civilian.
Every Person I Killed I Strongly Believe That They Were Bad. When I Do Go Face God There Is Going to Be Lots of Things I Will Have to Account for but Killing Any of Those People Is Not One of Them.
Savage, Despicable Evil. That’s What We Were Fighting in Iraq. That’s Why a Lot of People, Myself Included, Called the Enemy ‘Savages.’ There Really Was No Other Way to Describe What We Encountered There.
I Really Don’t Care What People Think of Me. I’ve Got My Family. I’ve Got My Friends. Yes, I Have Been Trained to Be a Little More Aggressive If I Need to Be, but I Don’t Go Around Thumping People.
I Like War.
You’re Not Just Going Out There, Maybe Sacrificing Your Own Life. There’s Also Sacrifices Still Going on at Home. You Can Serve in the Military and Have a Good Marriage, but You Just Need to Be Aware of It so You Can Take Those Steps to Take Care of It.
You’re in a Combat Zone One Day. You Come Home, and Then You Have to Readjust, and It Takes a Few Days. We Just Sit in the House, Hang with the Family and Then Things Get Better.
Other People Are Talking About Writing Books About My Life, or About Some of the Things I’ve Done. I Find It Strange, but I Also Feel It’s My Life and My Story, and I Guess I Better Be the One to Get It on Paper the Way It Actually Happened.

Did you know?

FACTS · 13

Little-known facts about Chris Kyle — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

On February 2, 2013, Chris Kyle was fatally shot at a gun range in Glen Rose, Texas, by Eddie Ray Routh, a 25-year-old veteran with PTSD. Routh also killed another person and fled in Kyle’s truck, leading to a brief chase and arrest in Lancaster, Texas. He was sentenced to life without parole in February 2015. Kyle was posthumously awarded two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars with Valor, and he is survived by his wife Taya and two children.
Chris Kyle served as a Navy SEAL sniper, completing multiple combat tours.
Chris Kyle expressed a wish that only Clint Eastwood should direct any film about his life. Eastwood later directed American Sniper 2014, a biopic of Kyle’s military service.
Chris Kyle received two Silver Stars and five Bronze Star medals for his valor in combat.
Kyle initially tried to enlist in the Marine Corps, but because the recruiter was out to lunch, he joined the Navy and became a SEAL sniper.
Chris Kyle’s longest confirmed kill was from a distance of 2100 yards, approximately 1.2 miles.
Kyle was good friends with fellow Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, author of Lone Survivor.
Kyle claimed he knocked down Jesse Ventura in 2006 for disparaging the military. Ventura denied this, leading to a defamation lawsuit against Kyle.
Kyle and his SEAL team were G.I. Joe fans and named their vehicles Duke and Snakeyes. Sienna Miller, who played Taya Kyle in American Sniper, had earlier played The Baroness in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.
Chris Kyle was the son of Wayne Kyle and Deby Kyle.
The 2014 film American Sniper, based on Kyle’s life, drew criticism for allegedly glorifying the Iraq War.
Chris Kyle was the older brother of Jeff Kyle, who also served in the military.
Bradley Cooper portrayed Chris Kyle in American Sniper 2014. Shortly after, Cooper starred in Serena 2014, which involved a crew member also named Christopher Kyle.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 35

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Chris Kyle.

On what date was Chris Kyle born?

Chris Kyle was born on April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas. He was the son of Deby and Wayne Kyle.
In which city and state was Chris Kyle born?

Chris Kyle was born in Odessa, Texas, in the United States. He grew up in Texas and later attended Tarleton State University.
On what date did Chris Kyle die?

Chris Kyle died on February 2, 2013, at the age of 38. He was killed at a gun range in Glen Rose, Texas.
How old was Chris Kyle when he died?

Chris Kyle was 38 years old at the time of his death on February 2, 2013. He was born on April 8, 1974.
In which location did Chris Kyle die?

Chris Kyle died in Glen Rose, Texas, at a gun range. He was shot by Eddie Ray Routh, a fellow veteran.
What caused Chris Kyle's death?

Chris Kyle died from a gunshot wound inflicted by Eddie Ray Routh, a 25-year-old veteran struggling with PTSD, during an outing at a gun range in Glen Rose, Texas.
What was Chris Kyle's full birth name?

Chris Kyle’s full birth name was Christopher Scott Kyle. He was known professionally as Chris Kyle and nicknamed The Legend and The Devil of Ramadi.
What were Chris Kyle's occupations?

Chris Kyle was a writer and producer. He authored the memoir American Sniper and was involved in the production of the 2014 film adaptation.
Of which country was Chris Kyle a citizen?

Chris Kyle was a citizen of the United States. He served as a Navy SEAL in the U.S. military.
Who were Chris Kyle's parents?

Chris Kyle’s parents were Deby Kyle and Wayne Kyle. His father Wayne was a deacon and mother Deby a homemaker.
Was Chris Kyle married, and if so, to whom?

Yes, Chris Kyle was married to Taya Kyle. They had two children together.
Did Chris Kyle have any siblings?

Yes, Chris Kyle had a younger brother named Jeff Kyle. Jeff is also a veteran and has been involved in promoting Chris’s legacy.
What educational institution did Chris Kyle attend?

Chris Kyle attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, but he did not graduate before enlisting in the Navy.
What military awards did Chris Kyle receive?

Chris Kyle was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Silver Star for his service. Additionally, he received two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars with Valor.
How many major military awards did Chris Kyle earn?

Chris Kyle earned three major military awards: the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Silver Star. He also received multiple Valor awards.
What is Chris Kyle known for in popular culture?

Chris Kyle is known for his memoir American Sniper, adapted into a 2014 film. He also appeared as himself on the talk show Conan in 2010.
How tall was Chris Kyle, the Navy SEAL sniper?

Chris Kyle stood 6 feet 2 inches 1.88 meters tall. His height was an advantage in his role as a sniper.
What did the nicknames 'The Devil of Ramadi' and 'The Legend' refer to?

The Devil of Ramadi was a nickname given to Chris Kyle by enemies in Ramadi, Iraq, reflecting his deadly accuracy as a sniper. The Legend was a more respectful moniker from fellow soldiers.
What was Chris Kyle's longest confirmed kill?

Chris Kyle’s longest confirmed kill was 2100 yards 1.2 miles, a remarkable distance for a sniper.
Did Chris Kyle have a movie made about him?

Yes, Chris Kyle’s life was depicted in the 2014 film American Sniper, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper.
Who directed the film American Sniper?

The film American Sniper was directed by Clint Eastwood, fulfilling Chris Kyle’s wish that Eastwood direct any film about his life.
Who played Chris Kyle in American Sniper?

Chris Kyle was portrayed by actor Bradley Cooper in the 2014 film American Sniper.
Was Chris Kyle involved in a lawsuit with Jesse Ventura?

Yes, Chris Kyle claimed he knocked down Jesse Ventura in 2006. Ventura denied this and filed a defamation lawsuit against Kyle.
What was the name of the person who killed Chris Kyle?

Chris Kyle was killed by Eddie Ray Routh, a 25-year-old veteran suffering from PTSD.
Why did Chris Kyle join the Navy SEALs instead of the Marines?

Chris Kyle initially tried to join the Marine Corps, but the recruiter was out to lunch, so he joined the Navy and became a Navy SEAL sniper.
How many children did Chris Kyle have?

Chris Kyle had two children with his wife Taya Kyle.
What television shows did Chris Kyle appear on?

Chris Kyle appeared on Stars Earn Stripes 2012, Sons of Guns 2011, and Conan 2010.
What was the name of Chris Kyle's memoir?

Chris Kyle’s memoir is titled American Sniper, which was published and later adapted into a film.
When was Eddie Ray Routh sentenced?

Eddie Ray Routh, who killed Chris Kyle, was sentenced to life in prison without parole in February 2015.
Where was Eddie Ray Routh arrested?

Eddie Ray Routh was arrested in Lancaster, Texas after a brief chase in Kyle’s stolen truck.
Who was Chris Kyle's close friend among fellow SEALs?

Chris Kyle was good friends with fellow Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, the author of Lone Survivor.
What criticism did the film American Sniper face?

The 2014 film American Sniper drew charges of glorifying the Iraq War.
Did Chris Kyle serve in the military?

Yes, Chris Kyle served as a Navy SEAL sniper in the United States Navy, completing multiple tours in Iraq.
What was the name of Chris Kyle's brother?

Chris Kyle’s brother was Jeff Kyle, who also served in the military.
How many Silver Stars did Chris Kyle receive?

Chris Kyle received two Silver Stars for his valor in combat.

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Audited & updated by

Sophia has 4 years of editorial experience and a habit of becoming the person any team leans on when they need to know where something stands. At Famousy, she manages the content pipeline, coordinates reviews, and handles the detail work that keeps a large editorial operation from falling apart. She reads a lot of profiles in the process and she's developed a sharp instinct for when something doesn't feel right. She flags it. It usually is.

Published on September 8, 2026

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