Guy Laliberte

Date of Birth: September 2, 1959

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Guy Laliberté is a Canadian businessman, investor, poker player, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, a world-renowned entertainment company that revolutionized the circus arts. Born in Quebec City, Canada, Laliberté started his career as a street performer, specializing in fire breathing and accordion playing. His passion for entertainment led him to co-found Cirque du Soleil in 1984, along with Gilles Ste-Croix. Under his leadership, the company grew from a small troupe of street performers to a global phenomenon, employing thousands and performing in over 450 cities worldwide. Laliberté’s visionary approach combined traditional circus elements with theatrical flair, focusing on human performance rather than animal acts. This unique blend brought Cirque du Soleil international acclaim and numerous awards. In addition to his work with Cirque du Soleil, Laliberté is an avid poker player and even competed in the World Series of Poker. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the One Drop Foundation, which aims to provide sustainable access to safe water.

5 Interesting Facts about Guy Laliberte

1. Guy Laliberté became the first Canadian space tourist in 2009, spending 11 days aboard the International Space Station.

2. He started his career as a street performer, mastering skills like fire breathing, accordion playing, and stilt walking.

3. Cirque du Soleil began with a government grant in 1984 and grew into a global entertainment empire under his leadership.

4. In 2015, Laliberté sold a majority stake in Cirque du Soleil but retained a minority interest in the company.

5. He founded the One Drop Foundation in 2007, which focuses on water conservation and providing access to clean water worldwide.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Guy Laliberte

1. “Life is full of adventure. There’s no such thing as a clear pathway.”

2. “I am blessed for what I have, but I believed in it from the beginning.”

3. “I don’t believe in the status quo. I believe in constant evolution.”

4. “My dream had always been to create a new kind of circus.”

5. “The best way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Guy Laliberté’s net worth was estimated to be around $2.5 billion.

Children

Guy Laliberté has five children: three daughters and two sons. He has been private about his family life, and details about his children are not widely publicized.