Kirk Kerkorian

Kirk Kerkorian, born on June sixth, nineteen seventeen, was a prominent American businessman and philanthropist whose influence shaped the landscape of Las Vegas. As the president and CEO of Tracinda Corporation, his private holding company based in Beverly Hills, California, Kerkorian was instrumental in the development of the mega-resort concept alongside architect Martin Stern Jr. He built the world's largest hotel in Las Vegas three times, starting with the International Hotel in nineteen sixty-nine, followed by the original MGM Grand Hotel in nineteen seventy-three, and culminating with the current MGM Grand in nineteen ninety-three.

In addition to his ventures in the hospitality industry, Kerkorian made a significant mark in the film industry by purchasing the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer movie studio in nineteen sixty-nine. His contributions extended beyond business; he was a dedicated philanthropist who provided over one billion dollars for charitable causes in Armenia through his Lincy Foundation, established in nineteen eighty-nine. This foundation particularly focused on aiding the reconstruction of northern Armenia after the devastating earthquake in nineteen eighty-eight.

Kerkorian's commitment to his heritage was evident in his support for the arts, including funding a film that depicted the history of the Armenian genocide. This film, titled The Promise, premiered in April twenty seventeen in the United States. His philanthropic efforts earned him recognition, including being named the tenth largest donor in the United States by Time magazine in two thousand. In honor of his contributions, Kerkorian was declared an honorary citizen of Armenia and received the title of National Hero of Armenia, the highest state award.