10 Astonishing Facts About Steve Wozniak You Probably Didn’t Know

Steve Wozniak, affectionately known as "Woz," is one of the most iconic figures in tech history. As a co-founder of Apple Inc., alongside Steve Jobs, Wozniak's influence on the world of personal computing is undeniable. But beyond the groundbreaking contributions he made to technology, Woz is a man of many fascinating layers, each one revealing a different side of this enigmatic genius. With his 75th birthday coming up, it's the perfect time to dive into the lesser-known facts that make Wozniak not just a tech legend, but a truly unique individual.

10 Facts About Steve Wozniak That May Surprise You

1. He Survived a Plane Crash and Lost His Memory

   In 1981, Wozniak piloted a small plane that crashed shortly after takeoff from Santa Cruz Sky Park. The accident left him with severe head injuries and temporary amnesia, erasing his memory of the crash and his subsequent hospital stay. Remarkably, it was playing Apple II computer games that helped him regain his cognitive abilities.

2. The First Universal Remote Control Came from Woz

   Wozniak's start-up company, CL 9, developed the first universal remote control, known as the CORE, in 1987. This was a pioneering leap in consumer electronics, allowing users to control multiple devices with a single remote—a concept now ubiquitous in modern living rooms.

Photo via Apple Inc. // From left to right: Steve Jobs, John Sculley, Steve Wozniak

3. San Jose Honored Him with ‘Woz Way’

   There’s a street in San Jose, California, named Woz Way, honoring his contributions to the Children’s Discovery Museum. This gesture underscores the impact Wozniak has had on both technology and the local community.

4. He Appeared on The Big Bang Theory

   Wozniak made a memorable guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory during season 4. In the episode titled "The Cruciferous Vegetable Amplification," Woz’s character is hilariously approached by Sheldon via a robotic proxy—an interaction that perfectly blends his tech legacy with popular culture.

5. Wozniak Competed on Dancing with the Stars

   In 2009, Wozniak took to the dance floor on Dancing with the Stars, showcasing not just his quirky sense of humor but his resilience as well, even dancing through injuries. His participation, while unconventional for a tech mogul, only added to his ever-growing list of unexpected talents.

6. A Segway Polo Aficionado

   Wozniak isn't just a tech wizard—he’s also an athlete, and a member of the Silicon Valley Aftershocks, a Segway Polo team. His love for the game is so strong that there’s an annual Segway Polo tournament named after him: the Woz Challenge Cup.

The most important thing is to inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.— Steve Wozniak

7. He Once Dated Kathy Griffin

   Wozniak’s personal life took a surprising turn when he dated comedian Kathy Griffin. Their relationship was even documented on her reality TV show, My Life on the D-List, giving fans a glimpse into his life outside the tech bubble.

8. Master Tetris Player—Under a Pseudonym

   In the 90s, Wozniak was so good at Tetris that he repeatedly topped the high-score charts in Nintendo Power magazine. Eventually, the magazine stopped printing his scores, prompting Woz to submit them under the alias “Evets Kainzow,” a clever reverse of his own name.

Photo via Medium // Steve Wozniak wearing his WOZ shirt.

9. He Was (Supposedly) in Vanishing Point

   According to IMDb, Wozniak made a cameo as a hippie in the car chase movie Vanishing Point. However, Woz himself has debunked this, although it’s a rumor that continues to intrigue his fans.

10. He’s Been Married Four Times

    Despite his public persona, Wozniak’s private life has seen its share of ups and downs, including four marriages. His personal journey, much like his professional one, is full of surprises, reflecting the complex individual behind the Apple logo.

These lesser-known facets of Wozniak's life add depth to the image of the man we associate with Apple and personal computing. Far from being just a brilliant engineer, Wozniak's life is a tapestry of innovation, eccentric hobbies, and public endeavors that extend far beyond the confines of Silicon Valley.

His passion for education and philanthropy, particularly in the STEM fields, is perhaps one of his most enduring legacies. Wozniak's commitment to nurturing the next generation of inventors and thinkers showcases a deep-seated belief in the power of knowledge and creativity. As he once said, "The most important thing is to inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do."

Wozniak's story is a testament to the fact that greatness often lies not just in the achievements that the world sees, but in the quirky, unexpected, and deeply human moments that shape who we are. Whether it’s dancing with a broken foot on national television or creating the first universal remote, Wozniak's life is a reminder that innovation is not just about technology—it's about living boldly and with a sense of fun.

As Woz turns 75, it’s clear that his influence and spirit will continue to resonate with both the tech community and beyond. He remains a beloved figure whose life story continues to inspire and entertain, proving that even in the fast-paced world of technology, there’s always room for a bit of whimsy and heart.

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