Sheldon Adelson was an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist, born on August 4, 1933, in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Raised in a modest household, his parents, Sarah and Arthur Adelson, were of Jewish descent with roots in Ukraine, Lithuania, and Wales. Adelson showcased his entrepreneurial spirit early on, launching his first business at the age of 12 by borrowing $200 from his uncle to purchase a newspaper vendor’s license.
By the time he was 16, he borrowed an additional $10,000 from the same uncle to start a candy vending machine business. Though he briefly attended the City College of New York, he did not complete his degree. Following an attempt at a career in court reporting, he joined the U.S. Army. After his discharge, Adelson ventured into various business endeavors, including the sale of toiletry kits and a windshield de-icing spray product called De-Ice-It. He also established a charter tour business, which contributed to his becoming a self-made millionaire.
Over the course of his career, Adelson founded or invested in more than 50 businesses. A major turning point came in 1988 when he purchased the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. This acquisition laid the foundation for the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which became a major player in the gaming and hospitality industry. Under Adelson's leadership, the company expanded internationally, particularly into the Asian markets with developments in Macau and Singapore.
Known for his significant philanthropic efforts, Adelson donated to a wide range of causes. One notable example occurred in 2014 when he contributed $2.5 million to the Drug-Free Florida Committee. He and his second wife, Dr. Miriam Farbstein Ochshorn, were also major supporters of medical research, Jewish causes, and pro-Israel initiatives.
Adelson was also a prominent political donor, particularly within the Republican Party. His contributions played a visible role in both state and national campaigns, earning him recognition as one of the most influential political donors in the United States.
Adelson’s personal life included two marriages. He married Sandra in the 1970s, but the couple divorced in 1988. He later married Dr. Miriam Farbstein Ochshorn in 1991. Together, they became known for their philanthropic and political contributions.
At the time of his death in January 2021, Sheldon Adelson was one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. While sources vary, his net worth was commonly estimated to be above $30 billion, not the $26 billion figure reported earlier. His legacy continues through his global business ventures and philanthropic foundations.
| Birth Date: | 6 Aug, 1933 |
| Age: | 86 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Boston |
| residence: | Las Vegas |
| Education: | City College of New York |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American businessman, investor, and philanthropist |
| Spouse: | Miriam Adelson |
| Net Worth 2021: | 33.5 billion |
