Chris Gardner Biography: Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Spouse, Height, Wiki, Parents, Siblings, Children

Christopher Paul Gardner is an American businessman and motivational speaker. During the early 1980s, Gardner faced significant hardship as he struggled with homelessness while raising his young son.

Despite these challenging circumstances, Gardner persevered and eventually found success in the financial industry. In the mid-1980s, Gardner became a stockbroker, applying his strong work ethic and determination to build a career on Wall Street.

Profile

• Full Name: Christopher Paul Gardner
• Stage Name: Christopher Gardner
• Born: February 9, 1954
• Age: 70 years old
• Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Businessman and motivational speaker
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Thomas Turner and Bettye Jean Gardner
• Siblings: Kimberly Triplett and Sharon Triplett
• Spouse: Sherry Dyson (m. 1977–1986)
• Children: Bettye Jean Triplett and Thomas Turner
• Relationship: Unknown
• Net Worth: $60 million-$70 million

Early Life and Education

Christopher Paul Gardner was born on February 9, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., to parents Thomas Turner and Bettye Jean Gardner. He was the second child and only son born to Bettye Jean. His older half-sister Ophelia was from a previous union, and his younger sisters Sharon and Kimberly were children from his mother’s marriage to Freddie Triplett.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Colgate University, Gardner spent two years completing additional undergraduate science courses at the University of California, Davis, and the University of California, Berkeley. This was done to qualify for a master’s degree program.

Career

Christopher Gardner’s path to success was marked by perseverance and resilience. After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1972-1974, Gardner transitioned to civilian life as a medical research assistant. However, this role did not provide enough income for his family. Seeking a better financial situation, Gardner became a medical equipment salesman, doubling his salary.

In 1981, Gardner entered a stockbroker training program at Dean Witter Reynolds, beginning his journey to becoming a successful stockbroker. During this time, Gardner encountered a very difficult period, struggling with homelessness while raising his young son. Despite the hardship, Gardner persevered in the training program, driven by his determination.

Gardner’s persistence paid off when he landed a position as a stockbroker at Bear Stearns in 1983. Building on this momentum, he founded his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co., in 1987.

After selling his stake in the firm in 2006, Gardner has since become a motivational speaker and author. His memoir, The Pursuit of Happyness, which details his struggles and eventual success, was later adapted into a popular film.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @ceoofhappyness
• Facebook handle: Chris Gardner
• Twitter handle: @GardnerPhD

Personal Life

Chris Gardner married Sherry Dyson, a Virginia native and an educational expert in mathematics, on June 18, 1977.

However, his relationship with Sherry was described as detached. After three years of marriage to Sherry, in 1980, Gardner left her to move in with Jackie and prepare for fatherhood.

Nine years elapsed before Gardner and Sherry were legally divorced in 1986. Together, they have a son named Christopher Jarrett Gardner Jr., who was born on January 28, 1981.

Following the dissolution of his marriage, Gardner was later reported to have been in a relationship with a woman named Jackie Media. However, it is not publicly known whether the two ever officially tied the knot. Together, Gardner and Jackie Media have a daughter named Jacintha Darlene Gardner.

Net Worth

Christopher Gardner‘s net worth is estimated to be between $60 million to $70 million as of 2024. This significant wealth is primarily derived from his successful career in the finance industry, including founding his own brokerage firm Gardner Rich & Co.

Additionally, Gardner has earned substantial income from his highly sought-after motivational speaking engagements.