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Introduction
Jack Kent Cooke is a name that is synonymous with success. Born in 1912 in Canada, he went on to become one of the most successful businessmen of his time. He amassed a fortune through his various business ventures, including sports teams, real estate, and media. His net worth at the time of his death in 1997 was estimated to be around $825 million. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life of Jack Kent Cooke and how he built his fortune.
Early Life
Jack Kent Cooke was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 1912. His parents were both teachers, and he was raised in a middle-class family. Despite his humble beginnings, Cooke showed an early interest in business. He started his first business at the age of 14, selling encyclopedias door-to-door.
Education
Cooke attended the University of Toronto, where he studied economics. He later went on to attend the prestigious McGill University in Montreal, where he earned a degree in law.
Career
After finishing law school, Cooke began his career in the newspaper industry. He worked for several newspapers in Canada before moving to the United States in the 1950s. In the US, he worked for the Toronto Telegram and the New York Daily News.
Sports Teams
In the 1960s, Cooke purchased the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. He later went on to purchase the Washington Redskins football team as well. Under his ownership, both teams enjoyed considerable success, winning multiple championships.
Real Estate
Cooke was also heavily involved in the real estate industry. He owned several large properties, including the Chrysler Building in New York City. He also owned several shopping malls and hotels.
Media
Cooke was also involved in the media industry. He owned several radio stations and a television network. He also founded the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which is still one of the largest media companies in Canada today.
Philanthropy
Throughout his life, Cooke was known for his philanthropy. He donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education and the arts. In 1987, he founded the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, which provides scholarships to high-achieving students from low-income families.
Personal Life
Cooke was married five times throughout his life. He had four children, including John Kent Cooke, who later took over ownership of the Washington Redskins after his father’s death.
Death
Jack Kent Cooke passed away in 1997 at the age of 84. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $825 million.
Conclusion
Jack Kent Cooke was a man of many talents. He built a fortune through his various business ventures, including sports teams, real estate, and media. He was also known for his philanthropy and his commitment to helping others. His legacy lives on through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, which continues to provide scholarships to deserving students.
