It is well-known that many great mathematicians were prodigies.
Were there any great mathematicians who started off later in life?
It is well-known that many great mathematicians were prodigies.
Were there any great mathematicians who started off later in life?
I don't know if Jean van Heijenoort counts as great, but his life story is amazing.
In the early 90's, I had a colleague who had been a professional tennis player before going back to a PhD thesis in mathematics. I'll hide his name since he is now in the middle of his career.
Unfortunately, all these exceptions appear to be reaches, thus proving the rule.