Kirk Kerkorian (Քըրք Քըրքորյան, June 6, 1917 – June 15, 2015) is often remembered as the “father of the Las Vegas megaresort,” a billionaire with incredible business acumen who made his mark in industries like entertainment, real estate, and automobiles. But beyond his wealth and success, Kerkorian carried a deep sense of responsibility to his heritage. His story isn’t just about building an empire; it’s about using his fortune to uplift the Armenian people and give back to a homeland he never forgot.
A Humble Beginning
Born on June 6, 1917, in Fresno, California, Kirk Kerkorian, or Kerkor as he was named, came from humble beginnings. His parents were Armenian immigrants who had fled the horrors of the Armenian Genocide. Growing up during the Great Depression, Kerkorian faced the same struggles that many did at the time. He left school in the eighth grade to help support his family, and those early challenges would shape his determination, resilience, and work ethic throughout his life.
Kerkorian’s life took an unexpected turn when he became a pilot during World War II. Serving with the British Royal Air Force’s Air Transport Command, Kerkorian developed a love for aviation. After the war, he purchased a small plane and began a charter business, flying between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. This venture would be the first stepping stone in his journey to becoming one of the most successful businessmen in America.
Building Las Vegas into the Entertainment Capital
Kerkorian’s real estate ventures in Las Vegas transformed the city into what it is today. In the 1960s and 70s, he had a vision for something more than just gambling—a new kind of resort experience that combined luxurious accommodations, world-class entertainment, and high-stakes gaming all under one roof.
He was responsible for building three of the largest hotels in Las Vegas at the time: The International Hotel, which opened in 1969 and set the stage for performances by legends like Elvis Presley; the MGM Grand, which became a symbol of luxury in the city; and a second MGM Grand after the original burned down in a 1980 fire. Kerkorian’s influence shaped Las Vegas as a global destination, turning it into the entertainment capital we know today.
Beyond Vegas, Kerkorian also became a key player in Hollywood. He purchased the famous Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studio, blending his passions for real estate and entertainment into an empire that extended across multiple industries.
Staying Connected to His Armenian Heritage
Despite his incredible success, Kerkorian never lost sight of his Armenian roots. His connection to his ancestry ran deep, and his commitment to Armenia was profound. In 1988, when a devastating earthquake struck Armenia, killing tens of thousands of people and leaving many more homeless, Kerkorian stepped in. He mobilized aid to help the victims and began what would become a lifelong dedication to supporting Armenia.
In 1998, Kerkorian founded the Lincy Foundation, named after his daughters, Tracy and Linda. Through this foundation, he poured millions of dollars into Armenia, focusing on rebuilding the country’s infrastructure after years of hardship. Roads, schools, hospitals, and housing projects were all part of Kerkorian’s mission to help improve the lives of Armenians.
When Armenia gained its independence from the Soviet Union, Kerkorian played a significant role in helping the country stabilize and develop its economy. He funded projects that aimed to boost healthcare, education, and technology—giving the Armenian people tools for long-term prosperity.
A Legacy of Philanthropy
Kerkorian’s charitable work wasn’t limited to Armenia. His Lincy Foundation also supported causes in the United States, particularly in California and Nevada, where he had deep ties. His contributions improved healthcare and education, with institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), benefiting greatly from his generosity. Kerkorian’s philanthropy was quiet, much like the man himself—he never sought recognition for the work he did but instead focused on making a difference.
One of his most significant contributions to Armenian culture was his funding of the 2017 film “The Promise.” This film, centered on the Armenian Genocide, was designed to bring international attention to the atrocities committed against Armenians in the early 20th century. For Kerkorian, this was a deeply personal project—a way to ensure that the world would not forget the history of his people.
Kirk Kerkorian’s Personal Life and Humble Nature
Kerkorian, despite his immense wealth and influence, was known for his humble lifestyle and preference for privacy. Even though he built empires in Las Vegas and Hollywood, he often shunned the spotlight, choosing instead to let his actions speak for him. His passing in 2015 at the age of 98 was widely covered, marking the end of an era for one of the most successful and private billionaires. Read more about his life and legacy in this New York Times article.
Throughout his life, Kerkorian was married several times and had two daughters. Despite the complexities of his personal life, he remained dedicated to his family and to using his wealth for good. His sense of duty toward his Armenian heritage and his desire to help others were central to who he was as a person.
Kirk Kerkorian’s Impact on Armenia and Beyond
Kerkorian’s influence on Armenia is immeasurable. Through his financial contributions, he helped rebuild a country devastated by natural disasters and decades of Soviet rule. But more than that, he gave Armenians hope—hope for a brighter future, for a stronger nation, and for recognition on the world stage.
The Lincy Foundation, which was dissolved in 2011 after distributing over $1 billion in grants, left behind a legacy that will continue to impact countless lives for generations. In Armenia, Kerkorian is remembered not just as a wealthy businessman, but as a hero—a man who, despite all his success, never forgot where he came from.
Beyond his contributions to Armenia, Kerkorian’s legacy lives on in the institutions he supported, in the buildings he helped construct, and in the lives he changed through his generosity. His story is a reminder that true success isn’t just measured by wealth but by the impact we have on the world around us.
A Lasting Legacy
Kirk Kerkorian’s life is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, vision, and a deep connection to one’s roots. He didn’t just build businesses—he built a legacy of giving back. His dedication to his Armenian heritage and his commitment to helping others define his life as much as his business achievements. Today, Kerkorian’s contributions to Armenia continue to be felt, and his story serves as an inspiration to future generations.