Kirk Kerkorian (1917–2015), born in Fresno to Armenian immigrant parents, became a billionaire by building Las Vegas's largest hotels and acquiring MGM Studios. Known as the "father of the megaresort," he donated over $1 billion to Armenian causes through his Lincy Foundation — principally to rebuild infrastructure in northern Armenia after the devastating 1988 earthquake — making him the largest individual donor to Armenia in history. A fiercely private man, he consistently refused to have buildings named after him.
1417Notable Armenians
