Ari Emanuel is an American businessman and the CEO of Endeavor, an entertainment and media agency that owns the UFC and the WWE. He is also known for being the inspiration behind the character of Ari Gold on the HBO series Entourage. As of 2023, Ari Emanuel’s net worth is estimated to be around $500 million.
Ari Emanuel Biography
Background
Ari Emanuel was born in 1961 in Chicago, Illinois, to a Jewish family. His father, Benjamin M. Emanuel, was a pediatrician and a former member of the Irgun, a Zionist paramilitary group. His mother, Marsha Emanuel, was a civil rights activist and a rock and roll club owner. He has three siblings: Rahm Emanuel, a former mayor of Chicago and presidential chief of staff; Ezekiel Emanuel, an oncologist and bioethicist; and Shoshana Emanuel, who was adopted.
Ari Emanuel was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia at an early age. He struggled with reading and writing, but his mother helped him overcome his learning difficulties by hiring tutors and instructors. He attended Macalester College in Minnesota, where he graduated with a BA degree.
Career
Ari Emanuel started his career as an agent at InterTalent and ICM Partners, where he represented clients such as David Letterman, Larry David, and Michael Moore. In 1995, he co-founded Endeavor Talent Agency with three other agents. Endeavor grew to become one of the leading talent agencies in Hollywood, representing stars such as Mark Wahlberg, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, and Oprah Winfrey.
In 2009, Endeavor merged with the William Morris Agency to form WME Entertainment, with Ari Emanuel as the co-CEO. WME expanded its business by acquiring sports and entertainment companies such as IMG, UFC, Miss Universe, Professional Bull Riders, and Droga5. In 2017, WME rebranded itself as Endeavor, reflecting its diverse portfolio of businesses.
In 2021, Endeavor went public on the New York Stock Exchange, raising $511 million in its initial public offering. In 2023, Endeavor announced that it would merge with WWE to form a new company that would combine live sports and entertainment. Ari Emanuel will serve as the CEO of the new company, while Vince McMahon will be the executive chairman.
Ari Emanuel is also a board member of Live Nation Entertainment, a global entertainment company that operates concert venues, festivals, ticketing platforms, and artist management services. He is also a co-founder of TheAudience, a social media marketing company that connects celebrities with their fans.
Public advocacy
Ari Emanuel is known for being outspoken and influential in the entertainment industry. He has advocated for various causes such as diversity, inclusion, gun control, climate change, and animal rights. He has also supported Democratic politicians such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Kamala Harris.
In 2008, Ari Emanuel wrote an open letter to Hollywood executives urging them to stop working with Mel Gibson after his anti-Semitic remarks. He also called for a boycott of hotels owned by the Sultan of Brunei after the country enacted harsh laws against homosexuality. In 2019, he severed ties with Saudi Arabia after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Art philanthropy
Ari Emanuel is an avid art collector and philanthropist. He owns works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, and Jeff Koons. He has donated millions of dollars to various art institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, and the Aspen Art Museum in Colorado.
Ari Emanuel Net Worth in 2023
How rich is he now?
Ari Emanuel’s 2023 net worth is $450 million. His successful job as CEO of Endeavor, which owns the UFC and WWE, made him rich. His post pays him $10 million annually.
Ari Emanuel’s net worth in the last 5 years
Ari Emanuel’s net worth has increased significantly in the last five years due to Endeavor’s growth and expansion. In 2018, his net worth was reported to be $200 million.
In 2019, it rose to $300 million after Endeavor acquired On Location Experiences, a premium hospitality company that provides access to major events such as the Super Bowl and the Olympics.
In 2020, it reached $400 million after Endeavor secured a $260 million loan from private investors to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business. In 2021, it soared to $480 million after Endeavor went public on the NYSE, valuing the company at $10 billion.
In 2023, it is expected to climb to $500 million after Endeavor merges with WWE to form a new company that will dominate the live sports and entertainment industry.
Ari Emanuel Personal Life
Age, Height & Weight
Ari Emanuel was born in 1961, making him 62 years old as of 2023. He is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs around 165 lbs (75 kg).
Family & Relationships
Ari Emanuel married twice. His first wife was Sarah Hardwick Addington, in 1996. Noah, Ezra, and Leo are their sons. The couple split in 2018 after 22 years. His second wife, Sarah Staudinger, married in 2022. She founded the Los Angeles fashion company STAUD.
Social Media Accounts
Ari Emanuel seldom uses social media. His Twitter and Instagram accounts are private. Despite having over 13,000 Facebook followers, he seldom updates. He keeps his personal life quiet and focuses on work.
