Donald Bren is a businessman and philanthropist. The businessman is the chairman of the Irvine Company. He is the American real estate industry’s undefeated heavyweight champion. With a group of investors, the businessman acquired the Irvine Company, a California-based real estate investment firm, in 1977.
Bren is the richest real estate investor in the United States. The business empire consists of 550 office buildings and 125 apartment complexes. Donald has become a self-made billionaire. The businessman serves three years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He was ranked 66th on the Forbes 400 list in 2017.
Quick Facts
| Celebrated Name: | Donald Bren |
| Real Name/Full Name: | Donald Leroy Bren |
| Gender: | Male |
| Age: | 92 years old |
| Birth Date: | May 11, 1932 |
| Birth Place: | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height: | 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight: | 54kg |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Wife/Spouse (Name): | Brigitte Bren (m. 1998), Mardelle Bren (m. 1977), Diane Bren |
| Children/Kids (Son and Daughter): | Yes (Steve Bren, Cary Ben, Ashley Bren, and Carey Bren) |
| Dating/Girlfriend (Name): | N/A |
| Is Donald Bren Gay?: | No |
| Profession: | Businessman and Philanthropist |
| Salary: | Na |
| Net Worth in 2024: | $16 billion |
Donald Bren Biography
Donald Leroy Bren was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 11, 1932. Donald’s parents are Marion Newbert and Milton H. Bren. Donald’s father was a naval officer, talent agent, and film producer. His mother was a community activist. The businessman is of Irish and Jewish ancestry. Bren’s parents divorced in 1948.
He remarried actress Claire Trevor after his divorce.
His mother married businessman Earle M. Jorgensen in 1953. The actress received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from the University of Washington. Donald tried out for the 1956 Olympic ski team but was unable to compete due to a knee injury. After graduation, Bren joined the United States Marine Corps as an officer.
Donald Bren Age, Height, Weight
Donald Bren was born on May 11, 1932, and is 92 years old as of 2024. His height is 5 ft 9 in and he weighs 54 kg.
Career
The businessman borrowed $10,000 in 1958 to build a house in Newport Beach. Donald founded Bren Company in 1958 and began his business career. Bren built a house in Orange County, California, USA. He founded Mission Viejo Company with two others in 1963.
To build the city, they purchased 10,000 acres of land in Mission Viejo, California. From 1963 to 1967, he was the company’s president. Bren Co. was purchased by International Paper for $34 million in 1970. Bren purchased his company for $22 million during the recession in 1972. He became a member of a group formed to acquire Irvine Company.
At the time, Bren owned 34.4% of the company. He was appointed vice-chair of the board. In 1996, the entrepreneur purchased all of the company’s shares and became the sole owner. The company owns more than 120,000,000 square feet of real estate in Southern California and other areas. The Irvine Company also owns 40 shopping centers, 125 apartment complexes, 550 office buildings, marinas, a golf course, and numerous other properties.
According to Business Week, he contributes to a variety of causes including education, conservation, and research in a variety of fields. He gave more than $1 billion to various charities.
Donald Bren Achievements and Awards
For his humanitarian efforts, he received several awards. Orange County’s National Philanthropy Day honors the billionaire. The Donald Bren Legacy of Giving Award is named after Donald Bren. He gave $200 million to K-12 public schools and colleges and universities. According to the Los Angeles Times, Ben is the most powerful and wealthy person in Southern California. The University of California President Medal is presented to the businessman. Donald received the Marine Corps University Foundation’s Semper Fidelis Awards in 1998.
Donald Bren’s Net Worth in 2024
Donald Leroy Bren’s net worth is $16 billion as of February 2024. He is the Irvine Group’s chairman and sole owner. Donald is also well-known for his charitable work. The real estate business provided the entrepreneur with his net worth. Donald has $6.3 billion in office property and $2.1 billion in shopping centers and retail properties.
He was paid by the Irvine Group. Donald also competed in sports but was unable to compete due to injury.
Donald Bren is a self-made billionaire with a big heart. He was involved in a number of charitable causes. Donald is a master planner, builder, and long-term thinker. The entrepreneur sees the future and works to make it a reality.
Donald Bren’s Wife, Marriage
Donald Bren has been married three times. He married Diana, and they have three kids. Their first son, Cary Bren, was born in 1959, and their second son, Steve, was born in 1960. He married Mardelle Bren for the second time in 1977. They have only one daughter, Ashley Bren, who was born in 1968.
Bren married Brigitte Muller three times in May 1998. She works as an entertainment attorney in La Jolla, California. They married at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills, California, in a church ceremony. They are enjoying their lives in Newport Beach, California. Donald and Brigitte’s son was born in 2003.
He is a Republican political party supporter. He contributed to Pete Wilson’s Senate and Governor campaigns. The businessman is a Dianne Feinstein supporter.
