Kirk Kerkorian
American businessman who shaped Las Vegas and owned MGM.
Kerkor 'Kirk' Kerkorian was an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He was a key figure in shaping Las Vegas and, with architect Martin Stern Jr., is described as the 'father of the mega-resort.' He built the world's largest hotel in Las Vegas three times and purchased the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer movie studio in 1970.
- born
- June 6, 1917
- died
- June 15, 2015
- field
- Business, investing, philanthropy
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Shaping Las Vegas, building mega-resorts, owning MGM studio
Quick Facts
- Honorific Prefix
- National Hero of Armenia
- Birth Name
- Kerkor Kerkorian
- Birth Date
- 1917-06-06
- Birth Place
- Fresno, California, U.S.
- Death Date
- 2015-06-15
- Death Place
- Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
- Resting Place
- Inglewood Park Cemetery
- Citizenship
- United States · Armenia (honorary)
- Years Active
- 1940–2015
- Spouse
- Hilda Schmidt · 1942 · 1951 · reason=div / Jean Maree Harbour-Hardy · 1954 · 1984 · reason=div / Lisa Bonder · 1999 · 1999 · reason=div / Una Davis · 2014 · 2014 · end=separated
- Children
- 2
- Awards
- National Hero of Armenia (2004)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In Las Vegas, Kerkorian bought land adjacent to what became Caesars Palace and sold it to the developers, then built the International Hotel (1969), the original MGM Grand Hotel (1973), and the current MGM Grand (1993)—each the world's largest hotel at its opening. He purchased Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1970 and later sold and reacquired parts of it. Through his Lincy Foundation, established in 1989, he provided over $1 billion for charity in Armenia, focusing on rebuilding after the 1988 earthquake. He also funded the film 'The Promise' about the Armenian genocide. He was declared an honorary citizen of Armenia and named a National Hero of Armenia.
Reader's Guide
Kirk Kerkorian's significance lies in his transformative impact on Las Vegas, where he pioneered the mega-resort concept, and his influence in the entertainment industry through ownership of MGM. His business career spanned aviation, hotels, and film, marked by shrewd trades and large-scale investments. Philanthropically, he directed substantial resources to Armenia, funding earthquake recovery and cultural projects. His legacy is that of a self-made entrepreneur who shaped modern Las Vegas and supported his ancestral homeland. The article notes his role as a major donor, with Time magazine naming him the 10th largest donor in the US in 2000.
Did You Know?
- Kerkorian built the world's largest hotel in Las Vegas three times: the International Hotel (1969), the original MGM Grand (1973), and the current MGM Grand (1993).
- He learned to fly in exchange for milking cattle at the Happy Bottom Riding Club in the Mojave Desert.
- He provided over $1 billion for charity in Armenia through his Lincy Foundation, established in 1989.
- He was declared an honorary citizen of Armenia and bestowed the title of National Hero of Armenia.
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