Larry Ellison Biography: Life, Career, Achievements, and Business Success

Quick Info →
Age: 81 years
Hometown: New York City
Profession: Businessman

Bio/Wiki

Full NameLawrence Joseph Ellison
ProfessionBusinessman, Entrepreneur, Investor
Known ForCo-founder, executive chairman, and former CEO of Oracle Corporation

Physical Stats & More

Eye colourBrown
Hair ColourGrey
Height6' 3" (191 cm)
Weight85 Kg

Career

Career JourneyLarry Ellison co-founded Oracle Corporation in 1977 with Bob Miner and Ed Oates. Under his leadership, Oracle became one of the world's largest software and cloud computing companies. He served as Oracle's CEO for nearly four decades and later became its Chairman and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He is also known for his investments in technology, healthcare, and real estate.
Awards & AchievementsCo-founder of Oracle Corporation Built Oracle into one of the world's largest software companies Served as Oracle CEO for nearly 40 years Chairman and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Oracle One of the world's richest entrepreneurs Winner of several business and technology leadership awards Investor in leading technology companies Renowned philanthropist supporting education and medical research

Personal Life

Date of BirthAugust 17, 1944
Age81 years (as of 2026)
BirthplaceNew York City, New York, USA
Zodiac SignLeo
NationalityAmerican
ReligionJewish
Educational QualificationLarry Ellison studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign before leaving after his second year. He later attended the University of Chicago, where he learned computer programming, but left without completing a degree.

Relationships & More

Marital StatusDivorced

Family

Wife/SpouseFirst Wife: Adda Quinn (married 1967 – divorced 1974) Second Wife: Nancy Wheeler Jenkins (married 1977 – divorced 1978) Third Wife: Barbara Boothe (married 1983 – divorced 1986) Fourth Wife: Melanie Craft (married 2003 – divorced 2010)
FatherLouis Harry Ellison, (civil servant)
MotherLillian Spellman Ellison

Favourites

HobbySailing Flying Private Aircraft Tennis Traveling Reading
Favorite SportTennis
Favorite TechnologyArtificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing
Favorite Business FieldEnterprise Software

Money Factor

Net Worth (approx)$175 billion and $181 billion

Some Lesser Known Facts

  • Larry Ellison was adopted as an infant by his aunt and uncle in Chicago after his biological mother was unable to care for him. His challenging childhood inspired him to work hard and achieve extraordinary success.
  • He dropped out of college twice, leaving both the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago without completing a degree. Despite this, he built one of the world’s most successful technology companies.
  • Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle in 1977 with the goal of developing advanced database software. Under his leadership, Oracle grew into one of the largest enterprise software companies in the world.
  • The name “Oracle” came from a CIA project that Ellison’s company worked on in its early years, and it later became one of the most recognized brands in the technology industry.
  • Larry Ellison owns nearly 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lānaʻi, where he has invested in sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and environmental conservation projects.
  • He is an enthusiastic sailor and has competed in several international sailing events. His team even won the prestigious America’s Cup, one of the oldest trophies in international sports.
  • Ellison is known for his luxurious lifestyle, with an impressive collection of superyachts, luxury homes, sports cars, and private jets around the world.
  • Although he never earned a college degree, Larry Ellison became one of the richest and most influential technology entrepreneurs through innovation, determination, and business leadership.
  • He has donated billions of dollars to medical research, education, and environmental initiatives, using his wealth to support scientific discoveries and improve communities worldwide.
  • Larry Ellison has appeared alongside U.S. President Donald Trump at several public events related to technology, business, and artificial intelligence, highlighting his influence in the tech industry.
  • Despite facing many challenges early in life, Larry Ellison’s journey from an adopted child to a global business leader continues to inspire entrepreneurs around the world.
  • Larry Ellison was adopted by Lillian and Louis Ellison, who raised him in Chicago. He is the father of David Ellison and Megan Ellison, both successful film producers. His family has been an important part of his personal life.