Kirk Kerkorian net worth
Kirk Kerkorian Net Worth: Kirk Kerkorian is an American businessman who has a net worth of $4.2 billion. Kirk Kerkorian is considered one of the grandfathers of Las Vegas and, along with architect Martin Stern, Jr., is considered one of the “fathers of the super resort.” Born Kerkor Kerkorian on June 6, 1917 in Fresno, California, he served as President/CEO of the Tracinda Corporation, his privately held company in Beverly Hills, California. Known by his nickname “The Smiling Cobra,” Kerkorian is considered one of the key figures in shaping Las Vegas as we know it today. Having no interest in formal education, he dropped out in 8th grade to become a boxer. Kirk was an intrepid pilot flying for the Royal Air Force during World War II. He carried supplies over the Atlantic, and one in every four planes crashed. After the war, Kerkorian saved most of his wages and bought a Cessna for $5,000. He served as a general aviation pilot and made his first visit to Las Vegas in 1944, where he became a high roller at the craps table. In 1962, Kerkorian purchased 80 acres in Las Vegas, across the Strip from Flamingo, for $960,000.
In 1969, he purchased a controlling stake in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio and opened the original MGM Grand Hotel and Casino (now Bally’s Las Vegas) in 1973. The MGM Grand Reno followed in 1978. Over the years, MGM has grown to become the world’s second-largest gaming company by revenue. However, Kerkorian stepped down as chairman in 2011 to become the first honorary director. Despite selling a $750 million stake in MGM Resorts International in recent years, he recently announced his interest in increasing his stake in the company through his private investment firm Tracinda. He has also developed time and again relationships with the U.S. auto industry and other interests and business ventures. Most recently, Kirk Kerkorian has devoted himself to philanthropy, including his Dream Fund, which supports academic programs and medical research at UCLA. Kirk Kerkorian passed away on June 16, 2015 at the age of 98.
