Guy Laliberte
Guy Laliberte
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Guy Laliberté is a Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former Cirque du Soleil founder.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: September 2, 1959 (age 63)
Died: N/A (still alive)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Canadian
Entrepreneur
Philanthropist
Early Life and Background
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Guy Laliberté was born on September 2, 1959, in Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Quebec. He grew up in a poor family with three siblings. His father worked as a factory worker and his mother managed the household. At the age of 12, Laliberté began playing the accordion, which would later become an integral part of Cirque du Soleil's performances.
Laliberté dropped out of school at the age of 16 to work on a farm, but soon returned to Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle. He worked as a busker and street performer in Quebec City, playing his accordion and singing songs. This exposure helped him develop his passion for entertainment and performance.
Major Accomplishments
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Co-founder of Cirque du Soleil (1984)
President and CEO of Lune Rouge (a space tourism company) since 2008
* Founder of the One Drop Foundation, a philanthropic organization focused on providing access to clean water worldwide
Notable Works or Actions
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Laliberté's entrepreneurial ventures began with his co-founding of Cirque du Soleil in 1984. He invested $10,000 and his passion for entertainment into creating the company. Under his leadership, Cirque du Soleil expanded globally and became a world-renowned brand.
In addition to his work at Cirque du Soleil, Laliberté founded Lune Rouge in 2008 with the goal of making space tourism accessible to people worldwide. He has also worked on various philanthropic projects, including the One Drop Foundation, which aims to provide access to clean water for underprivileged communities.
Impact and Legacy
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Guy Laliberté's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for performance have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His vision for Cirque du Soleil has inspired millions of people worldwide with its unique blend of artistry and entertainment. Through his philanthropic efforts, he continues to make a positive difference in communities around the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Guy Laliberté's quotes often reflect his passion for life, creativity, and innovation:
"The most important thing is that you enjoy what you do. If you're not enjoying it, then maybe you should change what you're doing."
"We are all made of stars. We are all connected to the universe. We are all part of something much bigger than ourselves."
Laliberté's words offer inspiration and guidance for individuals seeking to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact on the world.
This biography highlights Laliberté's achievements as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and innovator in the entertainment industry. His legacy continues to inspire people worldwide with his commitment to creativity, innovation, and giving back to the community.
Quotes by Guy Laliberte
Business is difficult. But it could be approached two ways: Seriously, or with the same way you're doing your job, with entertainment aspect, with pleasure, with fun.
When you are up there, feeling infinite space, the earth looks like a fragile planet against the immense universe. We are just another fleeting species, passing by. I do believe there is life elsewhere, and we are not alone. But not having found an alternate place for now, it is crucial to take care of the one place we do have.
Sometimes just being on a beach with my loved ones is all the adventure I need. I am a happy camper and continue to be a citizen of the world. I have yet to discover other cultures, other peoples' dreams and treasures. I will always be a traveler who is discovering beautiful Gaia.
Actually, I was the seventh private explorer but the first Canadian 'space clown.' I never dreamed of going into space; I just dreamed of traveling. But I admit that space is an incredible destination and the absolute traveling experience.
Trust the young. Young people have a lot to contribute, but generation after generation, those who reach power protect that power rather than teach others how to attain it. I resolved that if I ever became successful, I would trust the young.
I do like the thrill of risk-taking, but it's always carefully calculated. I have done many high risk undertakings, but I have always measured the stakes. Not feeding the fear nor the doubt. But I also believe that you need to fuel passion in whatever you do. This is what I am trying to teach my children today.
Cirque du Soleil means Circus of the Sun. When I need to take time to reenergize, I go somewhere by the ocean to sit back and watch the sunsets. That is where the idea of 'Soleil' came from, on a beach in Hawaii, and because the sun is the symbol of youth and energy.
I am an atheist. I was born a Catholic, but after I had traveled to Northern Ireland with some Catholic friends, and we had a horrible experience with the English Protestant police, I lost all taste for formal religion.
In life I've learned one thing; if you want to be good you have to connect with the best people. So I got very close to the high-stakes players here. I get to watch them and play with them a little bit.