Kevin O'Leary
July 9, 1954
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
71 Years Old
Cancer
Who Is Kevin O'Leary?
Terrence Thomas Kevin O'Leary is a Canadian businessman and television personality, celebrated for his direct approach to finance and keen investment strategies. He is known for his unapologetic critiques and tough-love advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
He first gained widespread public attention as an investor on the Canadian reality show Dragons' Den, and later achieved international fame as "Mr. Wonderful" on the American version, Shark Tank. His distinctive persona has made him a household name.
Early Life and Education
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Terrence Thomas Kevin O'Leary's childhood involved extensive international travel due to his stepfather's work with the United Nations, exposing him to diverse cultures. His mother, Georgette Bookalam, a shrewd investor, instilled in him early lessons about financial discipline and saving.
O'Leary later earned an honors bachelor's degree in environmental studies and psychology from the University of Waterloo in 1977, followed by an MBA in entrepreneurship from the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario in 1980. He also navigated childhood dyslexia, which he credits with fostering innovative thinking.
Notable Relationships
Terrence Thomas Kevin O'Leary has been married to Linda Greer since 1990; the couple briefly separated between 2011 and 2013 before reconciling. Their long-term partnership has been a constant amidst O'Leary's demanding career.
Together, the O'Learys share two children, a daughter named Savannah and a son named Trevor, maintaining a family life while both pursuing business ventures.
Career Highlights
Terrence Thomas Kevin O'Leary's career trajectory began with the co-founding of SoftKey Software Products in 1986. This educational software company grew substantially through aggressive acquisitions, eventually becoming The Learning Company before its acquisition by Mattel in 1999 for $4.2 billion, cementing O'Leary's status as a formidable entrepreneur.
He expanded his financial ventures by establishing O'Leary Funds and O'Leary Ventures, actively investing across various sectors. O'Leary gained significant media prominence as a prominent investor on both Dragons' Den and the highly popular ABC series Shark Tank.
Signature Quote
“I'm not trying to make friends, I'm trying to make money.”