Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Jimmy Wales
August 8, 1966
Huntsville, Alabama, US
59 Years Old
Leo
Who Is Jimmy Wales?
Jimmy Donal Wales is an American and British internet entrepreneur, widely recognized for his pioneering vision in online knowledge sharing. His work profoundly reshaped how individuals access and contribute to global information.
He rose to prominence with the launch of Wikipedia in 2001, an innovative platform that rapidly democratized access to information worldwide. This free encyclopedia quickly became a cornerstone of the digital age.
Early Life and Education
Born in Huntsville, Alabama, Jimmy Donal Wales received his earliest education at the House of Learning, a private school run by his mother, Doris Ann Dudley, and grandmother, Erma, fostering a deep love for reading.
He later attended Randolph School for preparatory studies. Wales then earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Auburn University and a master's from the University of Alabama, sparking his interest in internet collaboration.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances has marked Jimmy Donal Wales's personal life. He was previously married to Pamela Green and Christine Rohan, before marrying Kate Garvey in 2012.
Wales has three daughters: Kira Wales from his marriage to Christine Rohan, and Ada Wales and Jemima Wales with his current wife, Kate Garvey, with whom he lives in London.
Career Highlights
Jimmy Donal Wales co-founded Wikipedia in 2001, creating a free, online encyclopedia that swiftly became one of the world's most visited websites. This platform democratized knowledge, accumulating billions of page views daily.
He later co-founded Fandom, a for-profit wiki hosting service, in 2004, providing a platform for countless fan-driven communities. Wales also established the Wikimedia Foundation to support Wikipedia's growth and free access goals.
Wales was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2006 for his significant contributions to internet culture. He is recognized as a visionary figure in global information accessibility.
Signature Quote
“Imagine a world in which every single person on the planet is given free access to the sum of all human knowledge. That's what we're doing.”