Norodom Sihanouk.

នរោត្ដម សីហនុ

Born 31 Oct 1922 Phnom Penh

Died 15 Oct 2012 Beijing, China

Citizenship Cambodia

Would Be 103 yr If Living

7 min read

Reading time

1,247

Words

May 8, 2026

Published

Film credits

Books

Awards

TL;DR

Appointed King of Cambodia in 1941 at age 19, Norodom Sihanouk ruled for fourteen years and again from 1993 to 2004. He also served multiple terms as Prime Minister. In 1960 he introduced The Twist to Cambodia, and he directed films including Le Cid Khmer 2005.

Identity & family.

KIN · 14

Names, aliases, and relatives of Norodom Sihanouk — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Native Name នរោត្ដម សីហនុ

Aliases H.R.H. Norodom Sihanouk, Prince Norodom Sihanouk, Prince Sihanouk

PARENTS: Sisowath Kossamak Norodom Suramarit
SPOUSES: Paule Monique Izzi Naralaksha Manikesara Bangsangamani
CHILDREN: Norodom Arunrasmy Norodom Ranariddh Norodom Sihamoni Norodom Narindrapong Norodom Chakrapong Norodom Yuvaneath Norodom Buppha Devi Norodom Kantha Bopha Norodom Naradipo

At a glance.

STATS

Norodom Sihanouk by the numbers — life, work, and family.

89 Years lived

7 Film credits

2 Books

23 Awards

3 Marriages

9 Children

Who was Norodom Sihanouk?

BIOGRAPHY

Norodom Sihanouk — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Norodom Sihanouk was born on October 31, 1922 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to King Norodom Suramarit and Queen Sisowath Kossamak. He trained at the Cavalry Training School Saumur in France. He ascended the throne at age 19. His taste for Western trends later defined his reign.

Career

Sihanouk moved into film in 1965, writing, directing, producing, and appearing in documentaries and features over five years. He introduced The Twist to Cambodia in 1960 and produced Cambodian pop and rock’n roll music. This upset some groups, leading to opposition that eventually formed the Khmer Rouge. His last film, Le Cid Khmer, was released in 2005.

Personal life

Norodom Sihanouk married three women: Paule Monique Izzi, Naralaksha Manikesara, and Bangsangamani. He fathered nine children including Norodom Sihamoni, who succeeded him as king, and Norodom Ranariddh. He resided in China and North Korea during various periods, maintaining a home in Beijing where he died.

Legacy

Sihanouk left a legacy as king, politician, filmmaker, and music producer. He earned honors such as the Order of the Nile and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. He abdicated in 2004 in favor of his son Norodom Sihamoni and died of a heart attack in Beijing on October 15, 2012.

Filmography.

FILMS · 7

Browse the complete filmography of Norodom Sihanouk — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

Movie

De Gaulle, the Last King of France

2017
Movie

Krung Thep

2026
Movie

Norodom Sihanouk, King and Film-maker

1997
Movie

Shadow Over Angkor

1968
Movie

Der Dschungelkrieg

1983
Movie

The Rose of Bokor

1969
Movie

The Enchanted Forest

1966

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 23

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

Order of Suvorov, 1st class
Order of the Nile
Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
Grand cross of the Order of the Dragon of Annam
Thiri Thudhamma Thingaha
Order of the Royal House of Chakri
Grand cross of the Order of the White Lion
Order of Sikatuna
Grand Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta
Imperial Order of the Yoke and Arrows
Grand Cross of the Cross of Military Merit with White Decoration
National Order of Vietnam
Order of the Crown of the Realm
Grand cross of the Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol
Darjah Utama Temasek
Order of the Yugoslavian Great Star
Star of the Republic of Indonesia
Order of the Queen of Sheba
Grand Cross of the National Order of Mali
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
Order of the National Flag
honorary doctor of the Paul Cézanne University

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 2

Norodom Sihanouk's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

Prisonnier Des Khmers Rouges

by Norodom Sihanouk Prince
Amazon

Chroniques De Guerre Et D'espoir

by Norodom Sihanouk Prince

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 1

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

Unfortunately, I Am Not a God.

Did you know?

FACTS · 6

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

He served as King of Cambodia from 1993 to 2004 after abdicating his second reign.
His children by various wives include Norodom Sihamoni born May 14, 1953, Norodom Narindrapong September 18, 1954, Norodom Ranariddh January 2, 1944, Norodom Buppha Devi January 8, 1943, Norodom Yuvaneath October 17, 1943, Norodom Chakrapong October 21, 1945, Norodom Kantha Bopha 1948, Norodom Arunrasmy April 6, 1946, and Norodom Naradipo February 10, 1946.
He abdicated the throne in favor of his son Norodom Sihamoni.
He maintained a personal website at norodomsihanouk.info, updating it daily with journal entries and answering questions from a pseudonymous friend Ruom Ritt.
He resided in Beijing, China for many years, even while holding the throne of Cambodia.
He was invited to the wedding of UN diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello and Carolina Larriera before Sergio’s death.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 27

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Norodom Sihanouk.

When was Norodom Sihanouk born?

Norodom Sihanouk was born on October 31, 1922. He was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, into the royal family.
Where was Norodom Sihanouk born?

He was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia.
When did Norodom Sihanouk die?

Norodom Sihanouk died on October 15, 2012. He was 89 years old at the time of his death in Beijing, China.
How old was Norodom Sihanouk when he died?

Norodom Sihanouk was 89 years old when he died. He passed away from a heart attack on October 15, 2012.
Where did Norodom Sihanouk die?

Norodom Sihanouk died in Beijing, China. He had been residing in Beijing for many years.
What is Norodom Sihanouk's name in Khmer?

His native name in Khmer is នរោត្ដម សីហនុ.
What did Norodom Sihanouk do for a living?

Norodom Sihanouk was a director, writer, and producer. He also served as King of Cambodia and Prime Minister, and was a composer and record producer.
What nationality was Norodom Sihanouk?

Norodom Sihanouk was Cambodian. He was born and raised in Cambodia and later lived in China and North Korea.
Who were Norodom Sihanouk's parents?

His parents were King Norodom Suramarit and Queen Sisowath Kossamak. Both were Cambodian royalty, making him a prince from birth.
Who was Norodom Sihanouk married to?

Norodom Sihanouk was married to three women: Paule Monique Izzi, Naralaksha Manikesara, and Bangsangamani. Paule Monique Izzi was his most famous queen consort.
Did Norodom Sihanouk have children?

Yes, he had nine children, including Norodom Sihamoni, who succeeded him as King, and Norodom Ranariddh, a politician. The children are from his three marriages.
Where did Norodom Sihanouk go to school?

He studied at the Cavalry Training School Saumur in France. This military school prepared him for leadership roles.
What awards did Norodom Sihanouk win?

He received numerous international awards including the Order of the Nile, Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, and the Order of the Chrysanthemum. In total he won 23 major awards from various countries.
How many awards did Norodom Sihanouk win?

Norodom Sihanouk was awarded 23 major honors during his lifetime. These include orders from Egypt, France, Japan, Thailand, and many other nations.
What other names did Norodom Sihanouk go by?

He was also known as H.R.H. Norodom Sihanouk, Prince Norodom Sihanouk, and Prince Sihanouk. These were used during his period as prince before and after his reigns as king.
Why did Norodom Sihanouk introduce The Twist to Cambodia?

He introduced The Twist in 1960 as part of his enthusiasm for Western trends. This upset some conservative groups, leading to opposition that eventually formed the Khmer Rouge.
What films did Norodom Sihanouk make?

He wrote, directed, produced, and acted in documentaries and feature films starting in 1965. His last film, Le Cid Khmer, was released in 2005.
Where did Norodom Sihanouk live?

He resided in Cambodia, China, and North Korea at different times. He spent many years in Beijing, China, even while holding the throne of Cambodia.
Did Norodom Sihanouk abdicate the throne?

Yes, he abdicated the throne twice: in 1955 to his father, and later in 2004 to his son Norodom Sihamoni.
How many times was Norodom Sihanouk Prime Minister?

He served as Prime Minister of Cambodia multiple times between 1955 and 1993. His terms were interspersed with his roles as king.
Was Norodom Sihanouk a musician?

Yes, he produced Cambodian pop and rock’n roll records starting in 1960. He also introduced The Twist to Cambodia.
Who succeeded Norodom Sihanouk as King?

His son Norodom Sihamoni succeeded him as King of Cambodia in 2004. Sihamoni remains king as of 2023.
How did Norodom Sihanouk die?

He died of a heart attack in Beijing, China on October 15, 2012. He was 89 years old.
What award did Norodom Sihanouk receive from France?

He received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, one of France’s highest honors. This was among his 23 major awards.
Did Norodom Sihanouk make films in North Korea?

Yes, he resumed filming in North Korea in 1988. He also resided there during his exile periods.
What was Norodom Sihanouk's role in the formation of the Khmer Rouge?

His ban on opposition to his pop culture initiatives pushed some groups to form the Khmer Rouge movement. This was a consequence of his cultural policies in the 1960s.
Did Norodom Sihanouk have a personal website?

Yes, he maintained a personal website at norodomsihanouk.info. He updated it daily with journal entries and answered questions from a pseudonymous friend Ruom Ritt.

View all 27 questions View fewer questions

Audited & updated by

Olivia has 6 years of experience writing biographical profiles and still approaches every subject like it's the first one. She covers everyone from debut musicians to Hall of Fame athletes to novelists most people have never heard of. She finds something worth reading in all of them. Her drafts tend to come in already clean, which her editor appreciates. She says good writing is just good thinking written down. Hard to argue with that.

Published on May 8, 2026

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Norodom Sihanouk.

TL;DR

Early life

Career

Personal life

Legacy

De Gaulle, the Last King of France

Krung Thep

Norodom Sihanouk, King and Film-maker

Shadow Over Angkor

Der Dschungelkrieg

The Rose of Bokor

The Enchanted Forest