Kirk Kerkorian

Kirk Kerkorian was a prominent American businessman, investor, and philanthropist.

He was born on June 6, 1917, in Fresno, California. His parents were Armenian immigrants who had escaped the Armenian genocide. Kerkorian grew up speaking Armenian as his first language. He later became a central figure in the development of Las Vegas. Along with architect Martin Stern Jr., he is known as the "father of the mega-resort." This title reflects his role in creating massive, all-in-one hotel complexes.

Kerkorian's career began in the sky as a pilot. During World War II, he flew for the British Royal Air Force. He helped ferry de Havilland Mosquito planes across the Atlantic Ocean to Scotland. He often used a direct route called the "Iceland Wave." This route used strong winds to push planes at high speeds. In May 1944, Kerkorian and John de Lacy Wooldridge broke a crossing record. They reached Scotland in seven hours and nine minutes.

After the war, Kerkorian entered the aviation business. He and his sister started a partnership to trade aircraft. He eventually founded Trans International Airlines, or TIA. In 1962, he purchased a Douglas DC-8 jet. He was the first charter operator to use jet engines for his business. He called this move his "real breakthrough" because it increased his profits. In 1968, he sold his share of TIA for $104 million. This sale created his first major fortune.

Kerkorian used his wealth to reshape the Las Vegas landscape. He purchased land in 1962 that later became Caesars Palace. He earned $9 million from that land through rent and a sale. In 1967, he built the International Hotel on Paradise Road. At the time, it was the largest hotel in the world. Elvis Presley performed there and brought in 4,200 customers daily.

He also expanded into the film industry by purchasing Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, or MGM, in 1969. He and Martin Stern Jr. built the original MGM Grand Hotel. This building was larger than the Empire State Building. However, the hotel faced a tragedy on November 21, 1980. A massive fire broke out at the MGM Grand. The disaster resulted in 87 total deaths. The hotel reopened only eight months after the fire.

Kerkorian's relationship with MGM was complex and lasted many years. He managed the studio through various changes and sales. In 1981, he bought United Artists to create the MGM/UA Entertainment Company. He later sold MGM to Ted Turner in 1986. After several ownership changes involving banks and other investors, Kerkorian bought MGM back in 1996. He continued to expand the company by purchasing Orion Pictures and other film libraries. He eventually sold his interest in MGM to a group led by Sony in 2005.

Beyond his commercial success, Kerkorian was a dedicated philanthropist. He established the Lincy Foundation in 1989. Through this foundation, he provided over $1 billion for charity in Armenia. Much of this funding helped rebuild northern Armenia after the 1988 earthquake. He also funded the film "The Promise," which covers the history of the Armenian genocide.

Because of his support, Armenia named him a National Hero. He was also granted honorary citizenship of the country.