- Source of Wealth: Tracinda Corporation
- Age: 95
- Birth Place: Fresno, California, United States
- Full Name: Kerkor “Kirk” Kerkorian
- Nationality: American
- Date of Birth: June 6, 1917
- Occupation: Businessman
- Education: Morton Air Academy
- Children: 2 (Tracy, Linda)
School dropouts often do very well in life. Kirk Kerkorian was another example of this. An 8th grade dropout, Kirk was also a former boxer and the fighter pilot who flew in the World War II. It all started when he purchased land in Las Vegas in 1962. He opened the MGM hotel and casino after purchasing the movie studio in 1969. It was bigger than the Empire State Building. Kirk had interests in gambling because he was a former gambler himself. The MGM stake was at one time was worth more than $11 billion. However, its present worth is around $1 billion.
In later years, Kirk tried to take over the Chrysler Corporation. However his attempt was termed as hostile and it was foiled. However, he did own 9.9% stake in General Motors (GM). He also spent around $1 billion to take over about 6% of the Ford Motor Company. But he sold his stake in the company in 2008 after the valuations of his stocks came down considerably.
Kirk Kerkorian was also involved in several philanthropic activities. His Dream Fund supports academic programs and medical research at UCLA.