Kirk Kerkorian

Kerkor "Kirk" Kerkorian was born in Fresno, California, in 1917 to Armenian immigrant parents. He dropped out of school after eighth grade and became a professional boxer before learning to fly. During World War II, he ferried planes from Canada to Scotland for the Royal Air Force, braving the dangerous North Atlantic route.

After the war, Kerkorian built a charter airline business, eventually selling it for $104 million. He invested his aviation fortune in Las Vegas real estate, purchasing land that would become crucial to the Strip's development. In 1969, he opened the International Hotel—then the world's largest—where Elvis Presley launched his legendary Vegas residency.

Kerkorian thought bigger than anyone else. He built the world's largest hotel not once but three times: the International (1969), the original MGM Grand (1973), and the new MGM Grand (1993). His approach was to create properties so large they would dominate the market and benefit from economies of scale.

At age 91, Kerkorian embarked on his most ambitious project: CityCenter, a $9 billion complex featuring the Aria Resort and Casino. Despite the 2008 financial crisis, the project survived and became a Las Vegas landmark. He also played a major role in developing MGM Resorts International into a global casino company.

Kirk Kerkorian repeatedly pushed the boundaries of what a Las Vegas resort could be. His willingness to build the world's largest properties established Las Vegas as a destination for superlative experiences. Known as "The Quiet Lion" for his publicity-shy nature, he transformed the city's skyline while rarely giving interviews.