Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Money & Work • Entrepreneurship

Chris Gardner

Chris Gardner is an American businessman, author, and motivational speaker best known for his memoir *The Pursuit of Happyness* and its 2006 film adaptation.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Chris Gardner is an American businessman and author best known for his memoir *The Pursuit of Happyness*. His story of overcoming homelessness while raising his young son inspired a popular film.

Who is Chris Gardner?

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1954, Gardner had a difficult childhood and later served in the military before working in sales. He became a stockbroker in the mid-1980s and founded the brokerage firm Gardner Rich & Co. in 1987. He later sold his minority stake and turned to writing and public speaking.

The Pursuit of Happyness and its impact

Gardner's 2006 memoir recounts his rise from homelessness and hardship to financial success while caring for his young son. The book was adapted into a 2006 film starring Will Smith, which brought his story international recognition and made him a symbol of resilience.

Why his story resonates in Canada

Through the film and his speaking appearances, Gardner has become a familiar example of entrepreneurship and perseverance for Canadian audiences. He also supports charitable causes, including those addressing homelessness and violence against women.

In short

  • Chris Gardner is an entrepreneur, stockbroker, author, and motivational speaker.
  • He founded Gardner Rich & Co. in 1987.
  • His memoir *The Pursuit of Happyness* became a bestseller and was adapted into a film.
  • He experienced homelessness while training as a stockbroker and raising his young son.
Canadian angle

Gardner’s story is well known in Canada through the film *The Pursuit of Happyness* and his speaking appearances, which have made him a recognizable example of entrepreneurship and resilience for Canadian audiences.[1][5]

Quick questions

Who is Chris Gardner?
Chris Gardner is an American businessman, author, and motivational speaker best known for his memoir *The Pursuit of Happyness* and for founding Gardner Rich & Co.
What is The Pursuit of Happyness?
His memoir recounts his rise from hardship and homelessness to financial success. It was adapted into a 2006 film.
How much is Chris Gardner worth?
Sources give estimates ranging from about US$60 million to US$165 million.

Sources

  1. Chris Gardner Media — https://www.chrisgardnermedia.com/biography
    Supports: Self-published biography stating he is an entrepreneur, single parent, author of *The Pursuit of Happyness*, and CEO of Happyness.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Gardner
    Supports: Birth date and place, occupations, founding of Gardner Rich & Co., and publication/adaptation of the memoir.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/business-38144980
    Supports: Estimated net worth of about US$60 million and his work as a motivational speaker.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2501602/bio/
    Supports: Marital history, children, homelessness with his son, and an alternative net worth estimate.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chris-Gardner
    Supports: Biographical overview, homelessness while training as a stockbroker, founding Gardner Rich & Co., and the memoir's film adaptation.
  6. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/gardner-chris
    Supports: Biographical details including marriage to Sherry Dyson, partner Jackie Medina, and children.