Guy Laliberte
Canada- Biography of Guy Laliberte
- Early Life and Career
- Cirque du Soleil
- Recognition and Philanthropy
- Space Tourism and Other Ventures
Biography of Guy Laliberte
Guy Laliberte is a Canadian businessman, philanthropist, poker player, space tourist, and the current CEO of the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. According to Forbes magazine, as of March 2012, Laliberte ranked 459th on the list of the world's richest people. With a net worth of $2.6 billion, he is one of the 11 wealthiest Canadians.
Early Life and Career
Laliberte was born in 1959 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. From a young age, he was a daring dreamer and troublemaker, and later developed an interest in show business. He left his parents' care early on and began earning a living through street performances. Laliberte traveled extensively as a wandering artist, and upon returning home, he decided it was time to make real money with his talents and his own mind. Along with a group of friends, he founded his first circus in Quebec.
Cirque du Soleil
In 1984, Laliberte, along with Daniel Gauthier, opened Cirque du Soleil, which later became one of the world's most famous circus companies. Cirque du Soleil revitalized the struggling circus industry by merging various circus cultures and genres, creating incredibly spectacular and unique performances. Laliberte personally participates in the production of each show, still serving as the creative mastermind behind Cirque du Soleil. Today, the company is the largest and most dynamic circus corporation in the world, and Laliberte has successfully realized both his creative and material ambitions.
Recognition and Philanthropy
Laliberte's awards include an honorary doctorate from Laval University, the title of 'Entrepreneur of the Year' from Ernst & Young, and the Order of Canada in 2004. In the same year, Time Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He is also known for his philanthropic projects. In October 2007, Laliberte officially launched the One Drop Foundation, dedicated to fighting poverty worldwide.
Space Tourism and Other Ventures
In September 2009, Laliberte became the first Canadian space tourist. His space flight aimed to raise awareness about water resources, an issue he believes is crucial for the inhabitants of planet Earth. In June 2011, he published his book 'Gaia,' which featured his personal impressions and photographs from his space journey.
Laliberte is also an avid poker player. He started showing interest in poker in 2005 and has deepened his involvement in the game over time. In 2007, he even won the World Poker Tour Season Five, earning $696,220 in prize money. Laliberte is known for his high-stakes gambling, although he donates much of his winnings to charity. In October 2008, he famously lost nearly a million dollars at a card table, which at the time was a record-breaking loss.
In addition to his business, philanthropy, and poker, Laliberte has also written several movie scripts. While he rarely performs in his circus shows nowadays, Laliberte occasionally still takes the stage to entertain the audience. He is the father of five children and was previously in a civil partnership with Rizia Moreira. He later became engaged to Claudia Barilla. On November 22, 2010, Laliberte and Cirque du Soleil were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
